HomeMy WebLinkAboutInitial LCPC Chapter Redlines_02132025Acknowledgements
Thank you to all Town Departments
that contributed to this plan, each of
the subject matter experts, and the
numerous individuals and organizations
that provided public input and guidance
throughout this process .
LOCAL COMPREHENSIVE PLAN COMMITTEE
• Wendy Northcross (Chair)
• Lindsey Counsell (Vice Chair)
• Avery Revere (Clerk)
• Asia Graves
• Robert Twiss
• Amanda Converse (Prior Clerk)
• Mark Hansen
• Meaghan Mort
• Frances Parks
• Katia DaCunha
• Cheryl Powell
• Susan Rohrbach
• Jennifer Williams
• Alyssa Chase
• Carlos Barbosa
• Steven Costello (Prior Chair)
• Felicia Penn (Prior Chair)
TOWN STAFF
• James Kupfer, Director of
Planning and Development
• Kyle Pedicini, Assistant Director of Planning
and Development
• Kate Maldonado, Senior Planner
• Corey Pacheco, Senior Planner
• Elizabeth Jenkins (former Director of Planning
and Development)
TOWN MANAGER
• Mark S . Ells
CONSULTANTS
Barrett Planning Group LLC
• Judi Barrett,
Owner & Managing Director
• Jill Slankas, Principal Planner
• Alexis Lanzillotta, Principal Planner
• Lily Kramer, Community Planner
• Laurel Mire, Community Planner
Horsley Witten Group
• Jeff Davis, Senior Planner
• Gabriella Spitzer,
Environmental Planner
Dodson & Flinker • Peter Flinker, Principal
• Dillon Sussman, Senior Associate
PLAN LAYOUT & DESIGN
• Shea Cadrin
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 9
Formatted: Highlight
Formatted: Highlight
Letter from the Chair
To the Community of Barnstable,
Over the past two years, … [TEXT]
Respectfully,
Wendy Northcross
10 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 11 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 11
Community Vision Statement
The town of Barnstable is a vibrant and diverse community where people
and nature thrive together . We are committed to creating a healthy, safe,
inclusive, and equitable place for all residents and to restore, enhance and
protect our natural resources for future generations .
To achieve our vision, we will proactively:
» Protect, restore and enhance priority natural
habitats, salt and fresh water resources, and
open spaces . » Maintain healthy coastal ecosystems along with
commercially viable harbors . » Protect and improve the quality and quantity of
our drinking water . » Prepare and adapt to climate impacts including
sea level rise . » Reduce our environmental footprint by investing
in low-carbon energy, reducing greenhouse gas
emissions, and better managing our waste. » Build on our outstanding recreational opportunities
and enhance access to open spaces while also
ensuring no environmental harm as recommended
by the open space and recreation plan. » Preserve, enhance and celebrate the unique
historic character and sense of place of the town
and each of its seven villages . » Promote a diverse economy that supports
living wages and local businesses and restores,
enhances and protects the natural environment . » Commit to providing affordable and attainable
year-round housing options.
» Provide access to high-quality public education,
healthcare, human and social services, and a
healthy environment . » Foster an inclusive community that values diversity . » Create a healthy, safe community, and care for
those in need . » Incentivize redevelopment and encourage new
development toward locations with adequate
infrastructure and away from environmentally
sensitive areas town-wide. » Enable people to travel safely and efficiently by
the mode of their choice . » Build essential infrastructure that is resilient,
adaptable, and sustainable and minimizes its
environmental impact . » Increase transparency of the local
government so that it can make effective deci-
sions ground in citizen input and
implement necessary changes efficiently.
» Strengthen community connections and commu-
nication town-wide and seek opportunities for
collaboration with neighboring towns. » Recognize and build upon previous efforts by
citizens and the Town to make Barnstable the best
that it can be .
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 12 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 12
Executive Summary
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ut fermentum massa justo sit amet risus . Cum
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rient montes, nascetur ridiculus mus. Nullam
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porttitor ligula, eget lacinia odio sem nec elit.
Commented [KM1]: I am not sure if this will go in the
intro letter from the committee or should appear in the
Community Engagement & Process paragraph, but I think it
would be helpful to talk about how the committee was
formed. That we applied and were interviewed and
appointed by the Town Council.
There should be a short Introduction to the Town of
Barnstable that outlines the seven villages, the precinct
structure & governance, as well as the Fire & Water
Departments. Further, there should be some clarity on the
character of each village.
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 13 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 13
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interdum. Integer posuere erat a ante venenatis
dapibus posuere velit aliquet. Vivamus sagittis
lacus vel augue laoreet rutrum faucibus dolor
auctor .
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lacinia quam venenatis vestibulum. Maecenas
faucibus mollis interdum . Integer posuere erat
a ante venenatis dapibus posuere velit aliquet.
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sociis natoque penatibus et magnis dis partu-
rient montes, nascetur ridiculus mus .
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lacinia quam venenatis vestibulum. Aenean
lacinia bibendum nulla sed consectetur . Aenean
lacinia bibendum nulla sed consectetur . Sed
posuere consectetur est at lobortis. Cras
mattis consectetur purus sit amet fermentum.
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vestibulum at eros. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet,
consectetur adipiscing elit . Cum sociis natoque
penatibus et magnis dis parturient montes,
nascetur ridiculus mus. Nulla vitae elit libero, a
pharetra augue .
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porttitor ligula, eget lacinia odio sem nec elit.
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Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 14 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 14
Image caption here.
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 15 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 15
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mauris condimentum nibh, ut fermentum massa
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consectetur ac, vestibulum at eros.
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 16 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 16
Community Engagement & Process
Community engagement is a vital component of
a healthy, consensus based Local Comprehensive
Plan that seeks to represent the community as
a whole . The Local Comprehensive Planning
Committee (LCPC) established an Engagement
Plan that sought robust input across the Town’s
seven villages. The Committee commenced the
process by establishing an interactive website
to serve as a clearinghouse for important docu-
ments and a resource for promoting key events
and efforts. Through this website, the public
was able to offer comment directly to the LCPC
and could subscribe to a virtual newsletter that
announced upcoming meetings and events, and
highlighted opportunities for public comment.
With over 1,000 individuals subscribed, this
newsletter served as a vital resource for dissem-
inating relevant information to the public in a
timely manner.
Phase I: Community Visioning
and Outreach
Over the course of nine months, the Committee,
in coordination with Planning & Development
staff, facilitated meetings with village and civic
associations, the business community, hosted
coffee hours throughout town, and manned
P L AC E H O L D E R
Image caption here.
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 17 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 17
“Bringing it Together” workshops (one virtual
and one in person) to present key themes of
public input for further review and discussion
among attendees as an initial step in coordi-
nating a community vision.
Image caption here.
information tables at Town gatherings, sporting
events, and holiday functions. The LCPC
posted interactive posters at Barnstable High
School, Hyannis Youth and Community Center,
and the Barnstable Adult Community Center
seeking visioning comments . The LCPC hosted
a Winter Open House at the Hyannis Youth and
Community Center seeking community input
on topics including, but not limited to, housing,
jobs, open space, transportation, energy and
water and providing opportunity for the public
to share their ideas for Barnstable’s future .
The Committee crafted a survey to gather
information on town strengths, weaknesses,
and community priorities. A direct mailer was
sent to all residents in Town and a virtual mailer
went to all students of Barnstable Public Schools .
During this process the LCPC received 1,584
survey responses. The Committee hosted two
Key Themes from Engagement
• Protect water quality in all forms—harbors,
rivers, ponds, drinking water
• Protect the environmental resources that
Barnstable maintains including open space,
beaches, lakes, ponds, habitat, trails, vistas,
etc .
• Preserve and enhance tree canopy
throughout town but especially in Hyannis
• Protect and enhance tourist appeal, such
as quaint Cape Cod features, beaches, open
space, etc .
• Preserve diverse community character that is
unique to each village
• Preserve historic structures, features, and
ways that provide Cape Cod charm
• Expand housing options and opportunities at
affordable prices for all ages
• Reduce traffic congestion and speeding;
improve pedestrian safety
• Provide more opportunities for children and
families—recreation, village events, medical
access, specialized education, etc.
• Create more year-round employment oppor-
tunities, especially in the Blue Economy and
job sectors that provide living wages
• Improve safety in village centers and
supportive health and human services for
those in need
• Foster opportunities to form community
connections and get to know neighbors
• Increase proactive communication and
transparency from town government
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 18 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 18
The outreach and feedback process concluded
with the development of a Vision Statement that
expresses shared values for future development
and resource protection, and represents a
growth policy for the community. A draft Vision
Statement was published online for public
comment. The Committee considered public
comment and finalized the Vision Statement
which served to guide the goals established
with Phase II of the Local Comprehensive Plan
update .
Phase II: Community Goals
and Actions
Over the course of x months, the Committee, in
coordination with Planning & Development staff,
facilitated topic specific meetings to obtain
insight for current and anticipated needs and
best practices related to Land Use, Housing,
Natural Resources, Infrastructure, Facilities,
Economic Development, and Culture, Heritage
and Design with feedback from Town staff
as well as regional experts. Reflecting upon
feedback from the subject matter experts, the
Committee coordinated goal statements and
strategies for each of the chapters .
The Committee updated the Town’s Future Land
Use Map by reviewing the 2010 Strategic
Planning Areas Map and coordinating further
analysis of current land use types including
Residential and Rural areas, Regional Economic
Center, Downtown Hyannis/Growth Incentive
Zone, Village Centers, Commercial Nodes, and
Maritime Areas considering areas of anticipated
change and areas of anticipated stability. A draft
Future Land Use Map was published online
via an interactive map and hard copies were
distributed around Town for public comment .
Ultimately, the LCPC developed two Future
Land Use Maps organized by regulatory areas,
(existing areas identified to be maintained)
and study areas (proposed areas identified for
further study).
Building upon the goal statements and strategies
for each of the chapters, the Future Land Use
Maps, insight from community visioning, LCP
Committee workshops, past plans, and feedback
from Town staff the Committee developed an
Action Plan with topic and location specific
actions to be achieved over the next 10 years for
each of the chapters .
Throughout this process, the LCPC facilitated
meetings with village and civic associations and
kept the community engaged and informed
taking advantage of outreach opportunities
including coordinating informational inserts
within the Town’s residential tax bill and the
census mailing .
Image caption here.
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 19 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 19
R E S E R V E D
C OMMUNITY ENG A GEMENT
WILL C ONTINUE INT O
SPRING 20 25
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 20 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 20
Community Events
September 2022
• 9/20 – Cotuit Civic Association Freedom Hall 976 Main Street, Cotuit @7:00 PM
• 9/22 – 55+ Community Safety Day Barnstable Adult Community Center 825 Falmouth Road, Hyannis
11:00 AM–2:00 PM
• 9/27 – Youth Commission via Zoom @6:30 PM
October 2022
• 10/11 – Barnstable Village Association St . Mary’s Episcopal Church 3055 Main Street, Barnstable
@7:00 PM
• 10/16 – Hyannis Open Streets Downtown Hyannis @12:00 AM–4:00 PM
• 10/22 – Youth Soccer Cape Cod Community College, Barnstable @9:00–11:00 AM
• 10/28 – Coffee with a LCPC Member (Osterville Public Library, 43 Wianno Avenue) @9am
• 10/31 – Halloween on Main Street Hyannis, 4pm–7pm
November 2022
• 11/1 – Osterville Civic Association Osterville Public Library 43 Wianno Avenue, Osterville @7:00 PM
• 11/1 – Marstons Mills Civic Association via Zoom @6:00 PM
• 11/4 – Coffee with a LCPC Member Fig Tree Cafe @9am
• 11/7 – Hyannis Port Civic Association via Zoom @7:00 PM
• 11/8 – Greater Hyannis Civic Association Steamship Authority Terminal Building Conference Room,
123 School Street, Hyannis @6:30 PM
• 11/11 – Coffee with a LCPC Member Chez Antoine @9am
• 11/14 – Centerville Civic Association via Zoom @7:00 PM
• 11/18 – Coffee with a LCPC Member Sturgis Library 3090 Main Street, Barnstable @12:00-1:00 PM
• 11/23 – RedHawks Rolling Rally Downtown Hyannis Village Green @12:00 PM
• Comment Walls: Posted at the Barnstable High School, Hyannis Youth and Community Center and
online via an interactive map seeking insight for the following prompts: If you had one day, where
would you take a visitor? What is your favorite road to travel down? If you could add one thing to
Barnstable what would it be?
• Town-Wide Survey: Coordinated survey to obtain insight for community vision . A post card
announcing the survey was mailed to all residents .
December 2022
• 12/3 – Holiday Love Local Fest Hyannis Village Green + Harbor Overlook @10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
• 12/6 – West Barnstable Civic Association West Barnstable Community Building
2377 Meetinghouse Way @7:00 PM
• 12/7 – Winter Stroll Main Street Barnstable Village @5:45–8:00 PM
• 12/13 – Hyannis Main Street Business Improvement District (BID) @8:30 AM
• 12/13 – Osterville LCP Workshop Osterville Historical Museum, 155 Bay Road, Osterville
@7:00–9:00 PM
• 12/14 – Winter Open House Hyannis Youth and Community Center, Shepley Room @4:00–7:00 PM
January 2023
• 1/12 – Marstons Mills Civic Association Liberty Hall, 2150 Main Street, Marstons Mills @7:00–9:00
PM
• 1/17 – West Barnstable Civic Association West Barnstable Community Building
2377 Meetinghouse Way @6:30 PM
• 1/18 – Centerville LCP Workshop Centerville Recreation Buidling 524 Main Street, Centerville
@7:00 PM
• Committee Interviews: Coordinated videos in English and Portuguese to promote participation in
the community survey and the overall Local Comprehensive Plan process .
February 2023
• 2/7 – Barnstable Association for Recreational Shellfishing LCP Workshop
West Barnstable Community Building 2377 Meetinghouse Way @7:00 PM
• 2/28 – Bringing It Together Workshop (Option #1) to be held remotely 12:00–1:15 PM
March 2023
• 3/1 – Bringing It Together Workshop (Option #2) Barnstable Adult Community Center
825 Falmouth Road, Hyannis 5:00–7:00 PM
April 2024
• 4/2 – Barnstable Village Saint Mary’s Episcopal Church, 3055 Main Street, Barnstable @6:00 PM
• 4/3 – Cotuit Village Freedom Hall, 976 Main Street, Cotuit @6:00 PM
• 4/9 – Centerville Village COMM Fire District, 1875 Falmouth Road, Centerville @6:00 PM
• 4/10- Marstons Mills Village Liberty Hall, 2150 Main Street, Marstons Mills @6:00 PM
• 4/24 – Osterville Village Osterville Public Library, 43 Wianno Avenue, Osterville @6:00 PM
• 4/29 – West Barnstable Village West Barnstable Community Building, 2377 Meetinghouse Way,
West Barnstable @6:00 PM
• 4/30 – Hyannis Village Barnstable Adult Community Center, 825 Falmouth Road, Hyannis @6:00 PM
July 2024
• Informational LCP Handout: Distributed within residential tax bills
October 2024
• 10/1 – Cotuit Civic Association Cotuit Library 871 Main Street, Cotuit @7:00 PM
20 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan
November 2024
• 11/12 – West Barnstable Civic Association West Barnstable Community Building, 2377
Meetinghouse Way, West Barnstable @7:00 PM
December 2024
• Informational LCP Handout: Distributed within Census mailer
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 21
Local Comprehensive Planning
Committee Meetings
• Meeting #1 Wednesday, June 29, 2022
• Meeting #2 Thursday, August 25, 2022
• Meeting #3 Thursday, September 22, 2022
• Meeting #4 Thursday, October 27, 2022
• Meeting #5 Thursday, December 8, 2022
• Meeting #6 Thursday, January 26, 2023
• Meeting #7 Wednesday February 22, 2023
• Meeting #8 Thursday March 30, 2023
• Meeting #9 Thursday May 11, 2023
• Existing Conditions Sub-Committee Meeting
#1 Thursday May 25, 2023
• Existing Conditions Sub-Committee Meeting
#2 Wednesday May 31, 2023
• Existing Conditions Sub-Committee Meeting
#3 Wednesday June 14, 2023
• Meeting #10 Thursday June 22, 2023
• Meeting #11 Thursday October 12, 2023
• Meeting #12 Thursday November 30, 2023
• Meeting #13 Thursday December 14, 2023
• Meeting #14 Thursday January 25, 2024
• Meeting #15 Thursday February 8, 2024
• Meeting #16 Thursday February 22, 2024
• Meeting #17 Thursday March 14, 2024
• Meeting #18 Thursday March 28, 2024
• Meeting #19 Thursday May 9, 2024
• Meeting #20 Thursday May 30, 2024
• Meeting #21 Thursday July 25, 2024
• Meeting #22 Thursday August 22, 2024
• Meeting #23 Thursday September 12, 2024
• Meeting #24 Thursday September 26, 2024
• Meeting #25 Wednesday October 30, 2024
22 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan
1 Natural Systems
The Town of Barnstable is rich in natural systems
and centers around water, water-dependent
resources, and habitat . High-quality natural
systems are part of the Town’s attraction
for residents and visitors, but they are also
susceptible to pollution from various land uses
and activities and are increasingly vulnerable
to changes in climate .1 Barnstable residents’ and
visitors’ continued appreciation of natural
systems requires active stewardship, protection,
and restoration of clean water and ecosystems.
Groundwater
Overview
Groundwater on Cape Cod is derived solely
from precipitation and the aquifer deposits are
generally very permeable, making them ideal
for development of high-yielding water supplies,
but simultaneously vulnerable to contamination
from land uses in their watersheds . The Cape
Cod aquifer is designated as a Sole Source
Aquifer under the Safe Drinking Water Act by the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a desig-
nation that requires Federally funded projects to
assess project impacts to the aquifer .2
In general terms, the groundwater system can be
described as the saturated zone of water-bearing
glacial deposits beneath the land surface . The
upper surface of this zone, known as the water
table, lies at depths beneath the land ranging
from more than 100 feet in the highest part of
the moraine to 0 to 10 feet along the shores and
in the vicinity of ponds and lakes . In cross-
section, the groundwater body is shaped like a
lens, with the highest elevations of the water
table being found along the groundwater divide,
which in Barnstable roughly parallels the east-
west axis of the moraine. Groundwater flows
from the higher water table contours along the
divide north and south to the lower elevations
near the town’s shores and beaches .
The USGS, in cooperation with the Town of
Barnstable and MassWildlife, is assessing the
potential effects of new water-supply with-
drawals on groundwater levels in the Hyannis
Ponds Wildlife Management Area on Cape Cod .
A groundwater-flow model is being used to
simulate the effects of several possible with-
drawal and wastewater-return flow scenarios
developed by the Town of Barnstable and
MassWildlife on the groundwater-flow system.
The Town of Barnstable is evaluating options for
developing new groundwater supplies to meet
current and future needs for potable drinking
water, both in Hyannis, which is served by the
The Town of Barnstable Water Supply Division
of the Barnstable Department of Public Works,
and throughout the rest of Barnstable, which is
served by the Barnstable, West Barnstable,
Cotuit, and Centerville-Osterville-Marstons Mills
(C.O.M.M.) Water Districts. operates the water
system in the Village of Hyannis .3
1 Cape Cod Regional Policy Plan, Cape Cod Commission, February 22, 2019, 27.
2 Cape Cod Regional Policy Plan, Cape Cod Commission, Effective February 22, 2019, 28.
3 Town of Barnstable Source Exploration Report (Volume I), by Weston & Sampson, April 2021.
Commented [KM1]: Natural Systems: Groundwater: Last
paragraph: The description of the town only includes the
Hyannis Water system. The Barnstable, West Barnstable,
Cotuit and C.O.M.M. Water Districts should be included
here
26 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan
Sandy Neck Beach.
Groundwater Protection
Barnstable’s public drinking water supply source
is its underground sole source aquifer . Public
wells draw water from wide surface areas known
as Zones of Contribution to Public Water Supply
wells, which occupy approximately 30 percent of
the land area of the Town .
Map 1 .1 shows Wellhead Protection Areas,
which include Massachusetts Department of
Environmental Protection (DEP) Approved Zone
I, DEP Approved Zone II, and Interim Wellhead
Protection Areas (IWPA). DEP Wellhead
Protection Areas Zone I means the protective
radius required around a public water supply
well or wellfield. For public water system wells
with approved yields of 100,000 gpd or greater,
the protective radius is 400 feet.
A Zone II is a wellhead protection area that
has been determined by hydro-geologic
modeling and approved by the Department of
Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Drinking Water
Program (DWP). In cases where hydro-geologic
modeling studies have not been performed
and there is no approved Zone II, an Interim
Wellhead Protection Area (IWPA) is established
based on DEP DWP well pumping rates or
default values . Certain land uses may be either
prohibited or restricted in both approved (Zone
II) and interim (IWPA) wellhead protection areas.
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 27
The Base Zoning map (Map 1 .2) shows
Barnstable’s three groundwater protection
overlay districts:
• Wellhead Protection Overlay District
• Groundwater Protection Overlay District
• Aquifer Protection Overlay District
The Aquifer Protection Overlay District
consists of all areas of the Town, except those
areas within the Groundwater and Wellhead
Protection Overlay Districts. The Wellhead
Protection Overlay District consists of the
area within the five-year time of travel zone
to existing, proven future and potential future
public water supply wells . The Groundwater
Protection Overlay District consists of all those
areas within Zones of Contribution to existing,
proven future and potential future public water
supply wells .
Groundwater Pollution
The Town’s groundwater system, like the whole
of Cape Cod, is replenished entirely by precip-
itation. The level of the water table fluctuates
seasonally due to evaporation, precipitation,
and water withdrawals . A major threat to the
aquifer is from contamination due to land use
impacts, primarily from wastewater disposal
(individual on-site septic systems).4 Barnstable’s
Community Preservation Committee (CPC)
continues ongoing conversations with the Fire/
Water Districts about wellhead protection and
open space acquisition, in order to meet the goal
from the 2010 LPC that no development should
occur within a 400 foot radius of a future public
supply well and lands within the 400 feet of
wells should be acquired whenever possible .
Additionally, the Cape Cod Gateway Airport has
achieved efforts to reduce the concentration
of PFAS in groundwater and to prevent the
continued migration of the PFAS groundwater
plume. In Fall of 2020 the Airport mitigated
PFAS-effected soils by capping the soils and
installing monitoring wells to monitor mitigation
success. Additionally, the Airport has successfully
fingerprinted PFAS that is associated with Airport
firefighting activities to assist in modeling plume
migration; allowing for identification of Airport
impacts and those impacts attributed from other
off-Airport industrial sites not associated with
Airport activities. The Town recently constructed
a groundwater treatment plant at the Maher
Wells that utilizes greensand filtration, advanced
oxidation, and granular activated carbon (GAC) to
remove PFAS from groundwater and provides the
Hyannis Water System with drinking water that
meets state and federal drinking water standards .5
Marine Waters
Overview
Marine and shoreline systems on Cape Cod
include open ocean, sounds, estuaries and
coastal embayments, beaches, dunes, and salt
marshes . Marine and coastal waters are vitally
important across the Cape and specifically in
Barnstable, supporting rich marine life and
complex ecosystems such as shellfish habitat
and spawning grounds for fish, as well as recre-
ational opportunities for fishing and boating.
Salt water embayments and salt marshes are
particularly important in Barnstable, serving
as spawning grounds and nurseries for a
great variety and quantity of marine life and
regulating the environment through carbon
sequestration. Local aquaculture and fishing
4 Town of Barnstable Open Space and Recreation Plan, 2018, 40–41.
5 Katie Servis, Airport Manager; and Dan Santos, Director of Department of Public Works.
28 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan
Commented [KM2]: Barnstable Harbor. Barnstable
Harbor is unique to the T of B for many reasons. It is the
only northside estuary, and its waters and marshes are part of
the Sandy Neck ACEC. Further, Friends of Barnstable
Harbor (with some funding from the town) has conducted a
harbor wide habitat survey. Part 1 was a Benthic Habitat
Map (Seafloor Mapping) that includes sonar imagery,
identification and counting of macro invertebrates, as well as
water sampling. Part 2 (currently in progress) is a Fin Fish &
Shellfish count. This year long study will identify the
various species that inhabit Barnstable Harbor. Further,
APCC’s State of the Harbor Report notes that Barnstable
Harbor’s is degraded. This is important as the 2017 MEP
TMDL study listed Barnstable Harbor’s water as in good
condition (but for the marina and Maraspin Creek). These
new studies likely indicate the seepage of nutrients from
septic systems in the western end of the harbor. The FBH
Habitat Studies provide valuable scientific data for future
harbor management decisions.
Commented [KM3]: Also of note in this area is that both
APCC and Audubon are conducting marsh restoration
projects. Audubon in the Barnstable Harbor’s Great Marsh
(western end of the harbor) and APCC in Barnstable
Harbor’s Chase Garden Creek (eastern end of the harbor).
The Town is also working to balance existing
conditions and proposed expansion areas for
critical coastal habitat, mooring fields, public and
private navigation channels, docks and piers, with
the possible intent that water dependent uses will
be allowed or limited based on this data .
Veterans Beach.
industries rely on these resources to stay in
business . Dunes, barrier beaches, and salt
marshes provide storm protection to coastal
banks and properties and provide habitat for
wildlife . Our marine waters and shorelines
also help define who we are as a community,
shaping our character, adding to our beauty,
and attracting visitors from all over the world.
In brief, the sustained health of our marine waters
and other coastal resources is critical for our
environment, our economy, and our way of life .
The Town completed a Coastal Resources
Management Plan focused on the Three Bays
and Centerville River Systems over 13 years ago
(2009). It covers, among other things, marine
services and facilities such as marinas, moorings,
and other boating access; fisheries and
aquaculture; natural resources such as water
quality and plant and wildlife biodiversity; and
potential impacts of sea-level rise. The Town’s
Hazard Mitigation Plan, recently updated in
2022, is another important policy document for
marine waters and coastal areas, emphasizing
protection of barrier beach areas and coastal
dunes and mitigation against flooding, erosion,
and sea-level rise .
Nitrogen and Other Threats to
Estuaries and Embayments
Nearly 80 percent of the Cape Cod region’s land
area drains to coastal embayments and estu-
aries . All of Barnstable’s watersheds that drain
to the south drain to nutrient-sensitive coastal
embayments and estuaries .
For coastal waters, the nutrient of concern is
nitrogen . Development is a major contributor
of nitrogen to groundwater, either through
wastewater from on-site septic systems or other
sources such as fertilizer and stormwater runoff.
Stormwater runoff from roads, parking lots and
other impervious surfaces contains a variety of
contaminants, including hazardous chemicals
derived from oil, gasoline and other automobile
fluids; heavy metals; fertilizer, pesticides and
herbicides washed off lawn surfaces; and
bacteria from animal droppings . Such pollutants
ultimately travel to coastal embayments.
Increased nitrogen often results in excessive
algae and degradation of water quality, posing a
serious threat to coastal habitat that can result
in fish kills and depleted shellfisheries.
In the past, local coastal embayments and
estuaries were able to naturally take in and flush
out nitrogen without significant environmental
impacts . However, as developed areas have
increased, the amount of nitrogen has
overwhelmed nature’s ability to assimilate it .
Barnstable, and most other communities across
the Cape, are now required by the federal govern-
ment to find ways to remove excess nitrogen from
coastal embayments and estuaries .
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 29
What is a TMDL?
A TMDL is the maximum amount
of a pollutant that a body of water
can receive while still meeting
water quality standards.
Through the Massachusetts Estuaries Project
(MEP), the Town, County and Commonwealth
have mapped recharge areas for all major estu-
aries and embayments to identify areas where
development and land use have the most
impact on coastal water quality. This effort
has guided the Massachusetts Department of
Environmental Protection (DEP) to establish
Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) for
nitrogen . These TMDLs are a management tool
to restore and protect coastal water quality
from the impact of septic systems, fertilizers,
and runoff. Each embayment has a TMDL.
These critical nitrogen-loading rates should not
be exceeded. Where they may be exceeded,
the Town is developing management strategies
to reduce the nitrogen load on the embayment .
MEP reports have been completed for areas
across Barnstable, including: Popponesset Bay
(2004), Centerville River (2006), Three Bays
(2006), Lewis Bay (2008), Rushy Marsh (2008),
and the Barnstable Great Marshes (2017).
Map 1 .3 shows the four embayment areas in
the Town of Barnstable (Barnstable Harbor,
Centerville River, Lewis Bay, and Three Bays)
and their subembayments .
Through its Comprehensive Wastewater
Management Plan, the Town has begun a
town-wide Nutrient Management Plan. This
plan includes an assessment process to establish
wastewater alternatives to restore and protect
coastal waters .
Climate change can exacerbate this situation. For
example, increased temperature can spur even
greater algal blooms and sea level rise is a threat
to natural and built coastal resources . As the
Coastal Resource Management Plan is updated,
the expected impacts of climate change should
be front and center in setting policies and plan-
ning for the future. The Town’s Hazard Mitigation
Plan, Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness
(MVP) plan, and other planning documents are
important resources for guiding marine waters
sustainably in spite of changing conditions.
Aquaculture
Aquaculture is an important aspect of
Barnstable’s ecology, culture, and economy,
with a particular emphasis on shellfish. Oysters,
quahogs, softshell clams, mussels, and other
bivalve species filter our coastal waters to
remove algae, cleaning up the water . They also
provide food for other marine animals and are
a harvestable product for our commercial shell-
fishing industry. Recreational harvest of shellfish
in Barnstable has been a treasured pastime for
Cape Cod residents and visitors for hundreds of
years. The Town of Barnstable Natural Resources
team is responsible for sustainable management
of this vital marine resource .
Shellfish are abundant in the shallow, sheltered
coastal embayments in Barnstable . Clams,
both soft-shelled and hard-shelled, scallops
and oysters can be found in the saltwater
embayments and along the shore . Cotuit
oysters, cultivated since the mid-19th century,
are internationally renowned delicacies. Shellfish
resources require pristine water quality to thrive
in the quantities necessary to support these
activities. In recent years, contamination of
coastal waters has caused a decline in harvests .
Road runoff is the principal cause of closure
for shellfish beds and swimming areas. Many
30 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 31
existing stormwater drainage systems that
discharge directly to coastal areas have been
prioritized for remediation. The Town actively
monitors water quality in shell fishing areas and
maintains a map of open and closed areas .
Marinas And Harbors
Town landings and ways to water are a vital part
of Barnstable’s marine infrastructure and
support a variety of commercial and recreational
activities. The Town operates four marinas,
two in Hyannis (Bismore Park and Gateway), one
in Marstons Mills (Prince Cove) and one in
Barnstable (Barnstable Harbor Marina). In 2022,
the Town issued 2,519 mooring permits . As the
year-round and seasonal population has grown,
these resources are more heavily used and some
show the stress of this heavy use . Moorings
and marinas are in high demand in town, and
on-going management issues include increasing
the full utilization of existing mooring permits to
increase access to waterways and managing the
environmental impacts of moorings and marinas .
The Town maintains and regularly updates
an inventory of public and private uses in its
harbors and needed repairs .
The Town is also actively implementing and
updating its Comprehensive Dredge Plan,
adopted July 2017 . Historically, the Town had
independently permitted and performed dredging
on a site-by-site, as-needed basis . Because of the
significant costs associated with this type of
work, dredging oftentimes has been postponed
due to other competing priorities. Consequently,
this approach made it challenging to ensure that
dredging is addressed in a prioritized, effective,
and efficient manner. Dredge and disposal
management had grown time consuming,
inefficient, and costly for the Town.
Through the development of the Comprehensive
Dredge Plan (CDP), a complete understanding of
Town-wide dredging needs and priorities were
defined to implement a long-term dredging plan
for a total of 31 dredge sites. The CDP prioritizes
dredging needs, estimates costs, and provides
additional recommendations for an effective
dredging system. The identified dredge sites are
divided into three categories:
Category 1 – Beach Nourishment Sites: Those
which have previously generated beach-quality
sediments suitable for the purpose of nourishing
eroded shoreline areas . These sites are collec-
tively permitted under a 10-year Permit issued
by local, state, and federal regulatory agencies
with dredging and nourishment activities
performed by the Barnstable County Dredge
(BCD). This approach greatly simplifies and
streamlines the required permitting process as
well as the overall management required for this
type of dredging project . Beach nourishment is
prioritized for public coastlines but can also be
used along privately owned coastlines .
Degraded water quality can
negatively impact coastal
property values.
Initial findings from a recent Cape
Cod Commission study evaluating
home prices in the Three Bays
area in Barnstable indicate a 1%
increase in nitrogen is associated
with a decrease in single-family
home sale prices in the range of
0.407% to 0.807% (average 0.61%),
with a 95% confidence level.
Source: Cape Cod Regional
Category 2 – Standalone Sites: Those which
have previously generated fine-grained sedi-
ments not suitable for nourishment purposes .
These sites will be addressed as stand-alone
projects since they require site specific sediment
testing to confirm the appropriate disposal
option(s) on a project-by-project basis. Disposal
methods for stand-alone projects may include
unconfined offshore disposal at the Cape Cod
Bay Disposal Site (CCBDS), upland disposal or
reuse, and/or daily cover or disposal at a regu-
lated Massachusetts landfill facility. Stand-alone
projects are not anticipated to be suitable for
dredging by the BCD . Each project will therefore
need to be publicly bid and performed by a
private contractor .
Category 3 – “To-Be-Determined” Sites: Those
for which sediment characteristics and
associated disposal requirements could not be
identified based upon review of available record
information. These sites will require that hydro-
graphic surveys and sediment sampling and
grain size analyses be performed to determine if
they are Category 1 or 2 sites .
Offshore Threats and Opportunities
Land under the ocean, seawater, and the space
above the ocean surface are increasingly in
demand for new marine uses . Changes to the
Massachusetts Ocean Sanctuary Act in 2008
made renewable energy development and cable
and pipeline installations possible in offshore
locations, and other changes in state policies
have created incentives for these development
activities. The federal government’s creation of
offshore wind leasing areas in federal waters
south of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket may
result in cables making landfall in Barnstable .
At this time there are three off-shore wind
projects proposed to make landfall in Barnstable .
Vineyard Wind, the nation’s first commercial
off-shore wind project, currently under construc-
tion, makes landfall at Covell’s Beach with cables
buried beneath public roadways connecting
to a new substation under construction off of
Independence Drive . Park City Wind, currently
in the final stages of permitting, is proposed to
make landfall at Craigville Beach with cables
buried beneath public roadways connecting to a
substation to be constructed on Shootflying Hill
Road . Commonwealth Wind, currently engaged
in the federal and state permitting processes,
is proposed to make landfall at Dowses
Beach connecting to a new substation to be
constructed in West Barnstable .
Enforcement and Capacity
The Town’s Marine and Environmental Affairs
staff is responsible for, among many other
things, the health and proper care of marine
waters. Enforcement efforts are always on-going,
and staff compare their work to that of the
Police Department . Marine and Environmental
Affairs staff have oversight of 107 miles of coast-
line with jurisdiction extending three nautical
miles out . They also maintain 89 ways to water
and four marinas. While staff reports that speed
and wake enforcement is the greatest challenge,
it can also be a challenge to enforce discharges
(whether intentional or unintentional). As is true
for all regulations and policies, they are only as
effective as the Town has the capacity to enforce
them and as residents and visitors alike are both
informed and care about these issues .
Freshwater Lakes and Ponds
Overview
The Town of Barnstable has 163 freshwater
ponds, 90 of which are one acre or more .
Twenty-seven ponds are greater than 10 acres
and are considered “Great Ponds'' under state
regulations. Collectively, ponds occupy 1,912
32 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan
Commented [KM4]: Offshore Threats and Opportunities:
The descriptions of these offshore projects Park City and
Commonwealth Wind should have the new names of these
companies and a description of the current status.
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 33 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 33
Table 1 .1 . Town of Barnstable Summary of Ponds
Village
# of Ponds
Acres of Ponds
# of Great
Ponds
(>= 10 acres)
Ponds >=
1 acre
Ponds >=
2 acres
Barnstable 20 57 .0 3 6 4
Centerville 21 850 .7 5 10 9
Cotuit 14 93 .6 2 6 5
Hyannis 46 147 .9 3 29 19
Marstons Mills 21 562 .8 7 13 11
Osterville 19 119 .0 5 14 12
West Barnstable 22 81 .2 2 12 10
Total Protected 163 1912.2 27 90 70
Source: Cape Cod Commission GIS Open Data Hub, Ponds, November 23, 2022.
acres within the town . The Town has 70 ponds
which are at least two acres . They contain a total
area of 2.9 square miles (1,846 acres).6 Many
of these smaller ponds are used for swimming,
boating, and fishing. They also provide habitat
for waterfowl and fish.
Water Quality Impacts
Development of water quality impacts in surface
waters generally follow a progression from higher
nutrient concentrations to low oxygen conditions:
More nutrients create more plants (either algae
or rooted plants), which in turn create more
decaying material falling to the pond bottom,
where bacteria decompose the dead plants . Since
the bacteria consume oxygen, more decomposing
plant material can remove oxygen from the water,
which in turn produces chemical conditions that
allow nutrients in the decomposing plants to be
regenerated back into the water, creating the
opportunity to start the cycle all over again by
prompting more plant growth.7
As part of the regional aquifer system, ponds
are directly linked to drinking water and coastal
estuaries. Freshwater ponds are particularly
sensitive to additions of phosphorus, which is
associated with development and land uses
close to a pond (such as wastewater, fertilizer,
and stormwater sources). Buffering pond shore-
lines from development is an effective strategy
for protecting freshwater ponds and lakes by
taking advantage of the soil’s ability to adsorb
and store phosphorus, thereby storing and
delaying this nutrient from entering the pond .8
Freshwater lakes and ponds in the Town of
Barnstable are significant scenic, recreational,
and wildlife habitat resources . All the Town’s
ponds and lakes intersect with the groundwater
table . The majority of these water bodies are
6 Cape Cod Commission Open Data Hub, GIS Data, Ponds, November 23, 2022.
7 Barnstable Water Resources, Accessed January 2023.
8 Cape Cod Regional Policy Plan, Cape Cod Commission, February 22, 2019, 29–30.
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 34 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 34
located on the outwash plain, having formed in
kettle holes. They range from the 596-acre
Wequaquet Lake, the third largest freshwater
body on Cape Cod, to numerous smaller ponds
of just a few acres in size . A Great Pond is
defined as any lake or pond that is ten acres
or more in size in its natural state. Permitting
structures such as a dock or pier in a Great Pond
is subject to review by MassDEP Waterways in
accordance with MGL Chapter 91 .
Barnstable also has ponds identified as having
characteristics of Coastal Plain Ponds, a habitat
community of global significance. The Hyannis
Coastal Plains Ponds—Mary Dunn, Lamson,
Israel Pond and pondlets, Flintrock, Campground
and Lewis Ponds—have shores and surrounding
vegetation supporting habitat for significant
populations of very rare plant and animal
species . Most of these ponds are shallow,
with average depths from 0 .6 to 3 .4 feet, and
several occasionally dry up in the summer .
The inundation/desiccation cycle is part of the
coastal plain pond shore ecology . Seasonal
fluctuations in the water level help to create and
maintain the special Coastal Plain Pond Shore,
which provides habitat for some important rare
species. However, dramatic changes in hydrology
can threaten these habitats . Groundwater levels
in the area of the ponds are strongly affected by
nearby public water supply wells and are subject
to seasonal changes in groundwater levels of
three to four feet .
Freshwater streams or rivers within the Town
of Barnstable are shallow and are largely not
navigable. Several town rivers (for example, the
Bumps, Centerville, and Marstons Mills Rivers)
are groundwater-fed streams running north-south
across the outwash plain, receiving drainage from
surrounding shallow watersheds and frequently
connecting existing kettle hole ponds or lakes,
thereby creating runs for herring and other
anadromous fish to gain access to the ponds and
lakes to spawn. In addition to the natural runs,
several artificial channels have been excavated
to serve as herring runs, and two are still in use: a
2,000-foot channel running from the outlet of
Middle Pond to the Marstons Mills River, and
channels connecting Wequaquet Lake, Long Pond,
and the Centerville River . A third run is currently
undergoing restoration between Lake Elizabeth
and the Centerville River . Dry most of the year,
these channels are opened by the Town’s Marine
and Environmental Affairs Division in spring and
fall during herring migration periods. They also
provide a means of shunting stormwater flows to
reduce high lake levels .9
Freshwater Restoration Efforts
Seven freshwater pond restoration projects
are highlighted on the Cape Cod Commission
website . Santuit Pond, located in Cotuit
(Santuit), is 171 acres and has algae blooms from
elevated phosphorus levels. The restoration
technology is Solar Bee Recirculators and it was
deployed in 2012 . The results are improved lake
clarity . Hamblin Pond, 115 acres, in Marstons
Mills had an issue with algae blooms . An alum
treatment was deployed in 2015 and the result is
it is now open for swimming .
Lovells Pond, 56 acres and located in Cotuit
(Santuit), has algae blooms from elevated phos-
phorus levels . Alum treatment was deployed
in 2014 resulting in lake clarity improvement.
Shallow Pond, 78 acres in Marstons Mills
Hyannisport, has the issue of weeds which
has been addressed by herbicide treatment .
Schoolhouse Pond, 4 acres in Hyannisport
Barnstable, has algae blooms from elevated
phosphorus levels. The restoration
9 Town of Barnstable Open Space and Recreation Plan, 2018, 42–4
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 35 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 35
technology is Solar Bee Recirculators and it was
deployed in 2016. Mystic Lake, 148 acres in
Marston Mills, has algae blooms from elevated
phosphorus levels and hydrilla. The restoration
technologies applied are alum treatment and
mechanical treatment in 2015 and 2024. Long
Pond, 20 51 acres in Centerville, has the issue of
hydrilla (invasive species). Sonar restoration
technology was applied in 2003 and has been
effective until recently . Sonar is an aquatic
herbicide used to control the Hydrilla. Another
treatment will be necessary .10
The redesign of the a fish passage from Middle
Pond to the Upper Marstons Mills River in
Marstons Mills is one of two projects in
Barnstable. at Upper Marstons Mills Pond and
Middle Pond in Barnstable are two There is a
total of 21 projects that are part of the Cape Cod
Water Resources Restoration Project that is
underway and funded by the United States
Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural
Resources Conservation Service.11
The Barnstable Clean Water Coalition (BCWC) has
made its first land acquisition for the Marstons
Mills River Cranberry Bog Restoration Project.
BCWC is working to restore 55 acres of cranberry
bogs to natural freshwater wetlands . This
restoration would entail filling drainage ditches,
grading the bog surface, removing water control
structures, reconstructing stream channels,
loosening the sand layer, and moving sediment .
The goals of this restoration project include:
• Attenuate nitrogen and reduce the nitrogen
flow downriver
• Improve water quality in the Three
Bays Estuary
• Habitat restoration
• Public recreation and education
opportunities12
Hydrilla is a submerged, perennial
aquatic plant that has earned the
illustrious title “world’s worst
invasive aquatic plant.” Listed
as a federal noxious weed, it can
grow up to an inch and day, and
can continue to survive as a free
floating mat at the water surface.
It was originally brought to the US
as an aquarium plant in the 1950s.
Invasive Species in Lakes and Ponds
The Town annually manages the growth of
Hydrilla and Fanwort, two invasive non-native
plants in several freshwater ponds . While
widespread across the country, very few munic-
ipalities in the Commonwealth are challenged
with managing these invasive species . Hydrilla
is present in Long Pond, Centerville (first
discovered in 2001) and Mystic Lake and Middle
Pond in Marstons Mills (first discovered in 2011),
as well as Lake Wequaquet/Gooseberry Cove .
These water bodies are also home to native
and protected species of plants, mollusks, fish
and other animals which makes controlling the
invasive weed crucial . Fanwort, another invasive
weed, is present and managed in Bearse Pond .
The Town manages these species through
a combination of mechanical means (diver
assisted suction harvesting and mats) as well
as controlled application of aquatic herbicides.
Figure 1 .1 illustrates common sources of phos-
phorus entering fresh and coastal water bodies
10 Cape Cod Freshwater Ponds Restoration Projects, Cape Cod Commission. Accessed February 28, 2023.
11 Denise Coffey, Cape Cod Times. “$42.5 Million Coming to Cape For Water Resource Projects”, April 28, 2022.
Commented [KM5]: Mystic Lake just had another alum
treatment. Long Pond in Centerville is not 51 acres but 20 I
believe. The restoration technology should note that Sonar is
an aquatic herbicide used to control the Hydrilla.
Next paragraph should read: The redesign of the fish passage
from Middle Pond to the Upper Marstons Mills River in
Marstons Mills is one of two in Barnstable…
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 36 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 36
12 Marstons Mills Cranberry Bog Restoration Project, Barnstable Clean Water Coalition. Accessed March 10, 2023.
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 37 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 37
Figure 1 .1 . Phosphorus
PROBLEM CAUSES SOLUT ION
Phosphorus
Phosphorus is an essential nutrient for all life
on earth. Our bodies need phosphorus for
healthy bones and teeth.
Plants need phosphorus to grow, but there is
a limit. When there is too much phosphorus
in a pond, lake or stream, algae may bloom
and plant life and fish can die as a result of
eutrophication.
Common sources of
phosphorus entering our
fresh and coastal water
bodies are:
Runoff from mining,
farming, animal waste, and
home lawn fertilizers
Wastewater from our septic
tanks—including human
wastes, food residues,
detergents, and soaps
Phosphorus can be reduced to
harmless amounts as it travels
through varying soils, which act as a
filter for phosphorus.
Locating development—including
septic systems, lawns, and drainage
from paved surfaces—away from
pond shores helps to protect the
quality of our fresh water bodies.
Source: Phosphorus—Common Sources of Phosphorus Entering our Fresh and Coastal Water Bodies, Cape Cod Commission.
Pond and Lake Stewardship
Barnstable has participated in the Pond and Lake
Stewardship (PALs) Program that has helped
establish baseline water quality . Barnstable
Clean Water Coalition (BCWC) is an active
participant in the Cape Cod Commission’s
Cape Cod Pond and Lake Stewardship (PALS)
program . This monitoring program, established
in 2001 in response to concerns over impacts of
excess nutrients on freshwater ponds and lakes,
provides an annual “snapshot” of the Cape’s
pond and lake water quality .
During the month-long PALS snapshot event in
August/September, water samples are collected
and sent for analysis to the Coastal Systems
Program lab at the University of Massachusetts-
Dartmouth School for Marine and Technology
(SMAST). The water samples are analyzed for
total nitrogen, total phosphorus, chlorophyll a
and pH . Associated water quality data collected
at each site include dissolved oxygen, turbidity
(water clarity), temperature, depth, water color
and vegetative cover.
Since 2018, BCWC in collaboration with Town
DPW staff and volunteers for the Town monitor
31 ponds and lakes in Barnstable to provide
data to be analyzed by SMAST . These ponds
and lakes range in depth from less than a half
a meter (1.6 feet) to over 19 meters (62 feet).
Kayaks are used to access the deepest points to
collect the water samples and data . Prior to
2018, only 9 ponds and lakes were monitored in
the Three Bays Watershed .13
The Cape Cod Ponds Network was convened
in 2022 as a response to growing concern over
Commented [KM6]: Last paragraph: More detail is
required for this description. The BCWC and the Town
DPW coordinate this program with SMAST. DPW Staff and
their volunteers monitor ponds in the in various areas of
town.
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 38 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 38
13 Barnstable Clean Water Coalition, “Pond and Lake Stewardship”, Accessed January 2023.
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 37 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 37
the health of Cape Cod's 890 freshwater ponds .
Coordinated through a collaboration between
the Cape Cod Commission and Association
to Preserve Cape Cod (APCC), the Network is
targeted towards pond stewardship organiza-
tions, but meetings are open to any interested
parties. The Pond Network includes more than
40 pond organizations.
Wetland Resources
Overview
The Town of Barnstable has 14,352 acres of
wetlands subdivided into: pond/lake (5,520 ac.),
marsh (4,230 ac.), beach (3,205 ac.), wooded
wetland (1,143 ac.), and cranberry bog (253 ac.).
Barnstable contains 163 ponds totaling 1,912
acres, and 37 certified vernal pools.14
The Cape’s groundwater and stormwater runoff
discharge to surface waters in ponds, lakes,
rivers and streams, coastal waters, and wetlands .
These wetland resources support much of the
plant and wildlife that makes the Cape such an
environmentally rich and interesting place. In
addition, wetlands play a vital role in regulating
the environment by absorbing and filtering
storm and flood waters, providing natural
removal of nitrogen, recharging the aquifer,
storing carbon in wetland peat and vegetation,
and providing vital habitat .15
Wetland Protection
Critical to protecting wetlands and their natural
functions are healthy, naturally vegetated
buffers. Buffers provide important habitat as well
as assist in the management of pollutants,
trapping or arresting nutrients and sediment
before they can flow into wetlands and clog or
impair them . Increasingly important, wetland
buffers preserved from development will help to
store increased stormwater runoff as the climate
changes and will allow wetlands to migrate as
changes in groundwater levels and increased
precipitation events occur.16
Wetlands in the Town are shown on Map 1 .4 .
These include extensive areas of salt marsh.
Barrier beaches, coastal beaches, dunes and
bluffs are among the coastal landforms that
make up the Town’s 170 miles of coastal shore-
line . Freshwater wetlands also are a large-scale
resource. Wetlands total approximately 13,692
acres, 21 .4 percent of the Town’s surface area .17
In addition there are associated bordering
vegetated wetlands, swales, creeks, and bogs .
These vast and varied wetland resource areas
provide a number of important ecosystem
services . They provide habitat for terrestrial and
aquatic plants and animals, they filter pollutants
before they enter water bodies or groundwater,
and in many cases they provide a buffer against
storm damage .
Barnstable’s extensive coastal wetlands are an
important resource requiring protection.
According to Barnstable’s 2010 Comprehensive
Plan, more than a quarter of Cape Cod’s salt
marshes are located in Barnstable, mostly in the
Great Marsh south of Sandy Neck. Salt marshes
are among the most productive ecosystems
on the planet, rivaling the productivity of rain
14 Town of Barnstable Online GIS Viewer, January 2023; * NHESP GIS Data shows 39 Certified Vernal Pools in the
Town of Barnstable.
15 Cape Cod Regional Policy Plan, Cape Cod Commission, February 22, 2019, 30.
16 Ibid, 30.
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 38 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 38
17 MassGIS, “Wetlands”, updated 2022.
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 39 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 39
forests. In addition to providing vital aquatic and
wildlife habitat, salt marshes filter pollutants,
and buffer shorelines from storm surge. Blue
carbon represents another ecosystem service
provided by salt marshes . Blue carbon is a term
used to describe carbon that is absorbed by salt
marsh and other coastal wetlands . Salt marsh
systems absorb large amounts of carbon that
otherwise would be released as carbon dioxide
and contribute to global climate change .
The Town of Barnstable has a Wetlands
Protection Regulation (Chapter 237 of the Town
of Barnstable Code) and Chapter 704 of the
Town of Barnstable Code that regulates activity
in the 100-foot buffer zone of wetlands.
Cranberry Bogs
Barnstable is home to over three hundred
isolated wetlands, with many being cranberry
bogs. While some are an active part of the
Cape Cod economy some are abandoned or
protected as open space . The Barnstable Land
Trusts lists the Bridge Creek Conservation Area
and Shaws Lake Trail as locations to hike, bike, or
ride horses near abandoned or privately-owned
bogs. These swale environments are distinct in
their soil composition with excellent drainage
that alternates between sand, moss, and organic
matter often identified as older cranberry
plants. Cranberries are native to Plymouth
and Barnstable County with a growing cycle of
sixteen months, with a dormant period during
the freezing months .
Vernal Pools
Vernal pools are vulnerable wetlands found
across natural landscapes from woodlands,
meadows, sandplains to floodplains across
the state of Massachusetts. They naturally
occur in topographic depressions where snow
melt, runoff, groundwater, or springs may
settle temporarily.18 According to the Cape Cod
Commission GIS Data Hub there are 39 certified
vernal pools in the town of Barnstable, eight
more than reported in the 2018 Open Space and
Recreation Plan.
These small environments are unique because
they have the capacity to recharge local aquifers
and provide for a diverse set of animals with
conditions ranging from saturated, dry, or
frozen . They are home to salamanders and
frogs while acting as the breeding ground for
amphibian and vertebrate species like Fairy
Shrimp (Eubranchipus vernalis) that thrive in
environments without fish as predators. Vernal
pool habitats support the life cycle of insects
and amphibians while advancing the life cycle of
their predators .19
Vernal pools are often at risk and undetected
due to long periods of dry conditions that
allow them to blend in with traditional wetland
settings. The certification of vernal pools
helps both developers and local conservation
commissions draft plans with proper safeguards
for the land and the animals that inhabit
them. Identified and certified vernal pools are
protected under the Massachusetts Wetlands
Protection Act, and up to 100 feet past
established boundaries in some cases may be
protected. Volunteers may assist in the certifica-
tion process through surveying and documenting
of these habitats for review by the Department
of Environmental Protection.
18 Mass Audubon, “Vernal Pools”, accessed January 2023.
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 40 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 40
19 Ibid.
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 41 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 41
Open Space
Overview
The open space of the Town of Barnstable is
critical to the health of the natural systems,
economy, and population. Open space provides
habitat for the Town’s diverse species, protection
of the drinking water supply as well as health
benefits associated with quality of life and social
wellbeing . Wooded open space provides a carbon
sink for mitigating the impacts of climate change,
both through the storage of carbon that would
otherwise be lost to the atmosphere through
development, and through the carbon-absorbing
capacity of trees . The beaches, farms, woodlands,
and marshes of the Town provide recreational
outdoor activities that attract visitors and
residents and provide the necessary land and
resources for agricultural activities.20
Stewardship and Collaboration
Barnstable has a strong history of protecting
open space, whether for water supply and
habitat protection or preserving the character
and beauty of the natural landscape . The Town
has a state approved Open Space and Recreation
Plan (2018), which includes an inventory of
existing protected open space, community
vision and goals, and priorities for future land
acquisitions. Table 1 .2 reflects current values for
open space and recreation lands as organized
by village .21 Of the sixty square miles or roughly
38,500 acres of total land in the Town, 11,360 .72
acres (29%) is protected open space and
4,547.65 acres (11%) is other public open space,
recreation land or other public land.
Image caption here.
Community Preservation Act
The Town of Barnstable and local land trusts
work in concert to protect new properties as
they become available for purchase . Community
Preservation Act funds have been critical in
generating dedicated funding for preserving land.
Community Preservation Act (CPA) projects that
have been recently approved (2018–2021) include
five open space projects and five recreation
projects in the Town of Barnstable (Table 1 .3).
Level of Protection and Ownership
The amount of open space in Barnstable that is
protected in perpetuity is 11,469 acres . This is
an increase of 524 acres from 2010 to 2022 .22
20 Cape Cod Regional Policy Plan, Cape Cod Commission, Effective February 22, 2019, 30.
21 Town of Barnstable Information Technology, Alicia Messier, GIS Coordinator.
22 Town of Barnstable online Map and Data Viewer, acquired 1/18/2023.
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 42 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 42
Table 1 .2 . Summary of Open Space and Recreation Land, Barnstable, MA
Protected Open Space
Barnstable
Centerville
Cotuit
Hyannis Marstons
Mills
Osterville W.
Barnstable
Total
Acreage
Conservation Land 1194 .25 125 .13 165 .08 39 .25 215 .08 56 .22 4654 .84 6449.85
Land Bank/CPA 341 .04 73 .14 58 .98 10 .48 292 .54 0 261 .39 1037.57
Private Open Space 370 .15 42 .8 279 .65 12 .98 75 .45 270 .01 260 .36 1311.4
State Land 426 .13 28 0 50 .53 0 .35 1 .07 111 .38 617.46
Conservation
Restriction Only Town
19 .47
5 .74
10 .35
0 .86
18 .1
139 .47
0
193.99
Conservation
Restriction Only
Private
143 .65
5 .84
31 .73
0 .69
61 .53
32 .83
46 .56
322.83
Municipal Water
District (Restricted
access)
136 .61
0
0
101 .14
0
0
0
237.75
Non-Municipal Water
Districts
214 .37
65 .56
310 .59
17 .15
370 .08
59 .53
152 .59
1189.87
Total Protected 2845.67 346.21 856.38 233.08 1033.13 559.13 5487.12 11360.72
Recreation Land, Other Open Space and Public Land
Barnstable
Centerville
Cotuit
Hyannis Marstons
Mills
Osterville W.
Barnstable
Total
Acreage
Town Cemeteries 12 .15 11 .03 81 .95 21 .23 5 .75 11 .87 22 .09 166.07
Public Trusts 370 .15 42 .8 279 .65 12 .98 75 .45 270 .01 260 .36 1311.4
Town Recreation Land
& Facilities
87 .82
38 .48
1 .3
138 .7
66 .45
36 .57
42 .13
411.45
Beaches & Public
Landings
5
20 .14
3 .42
77 .62
8 .41
20 .52
10 .03
145.14
Municipal Use 115 .96 25 .09 43 .29 206 .5 303 .07 82 .52 102 .22 878.65
Schools 36 .91 13 .5 13 .5 57 .48 36 .8 41 .37 0 199.56
Airport 81 .57 0 0 534 .46 0 0 0 616.03
Housing Authority 16 .55 7 .61 3 .69 18 .88 16 .08 2 .25 0 65.06
Barnstable County
Land & Facilities
135 .68
0
0
0
0
0
0
135.68
State Land 426 .13 28 0 50 .53 0 .35 1 .07 111 .38 617.46
Federal Land 0 0 0 1 .15 0 0 0 1.15
Total Recreation
and Other
1287.92
186.65
426.8
1119.53
512.36
466.18
548.21
4547.65
Formatted Table
Commented [KM7]: Lists the land conservation
restrictions for each village. The water districts water are
included without comment. There is actually a state law the
concerns trespass, dumping, damaging to the well heads.
The Water Commissioners have the ability to issue fines I
would just note Restricted Access to the all the water
department's land.
Formatted: Font color: Red
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 43 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 43
Source: Town of Barnstable Information Technology, Alicia Messier, GIS Coordinator.
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 44 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 44
Table 1 .3 . Community Preservation Act Projects, Open Space and Recreation,
approved 2018–2021
Project Name
Description Approval
Date
Category
3600 Falmouth Road -
CR Acquisition
Acquisition of a conservation restriction for open
space and passive recreation.
6/7/2018
Open Space
CC Rail Trail - Alternate
Route Study - Phase IV
This complete study is required in order to submit the
project for inclusion on the state Transportation
Improvement Program for funding the construction of
the project .
8/16/2018
Recreation
0 Bumps River Road
Acquisition
Acquisition of 5.92 acre vacant lot in Marstons
Mills village for open space and passive recreation,
education, and nature study purposes. Acquisition
of this parcel will protect water quality and wildlife
along Bumps River, Scudder Bay and Coombs Bog and
provide connection to 27 acres of Town-owned land
for opportunity for walking trails .
1/17/2019
Open Space
Barnstable Hollow Field
Rehabilitation of underutilized baseball field into
a multi-use green space for a variety of events,
functions and user groups including HP accessible
entrance .
8/15/2019
Recreation
Orenda - Great Marsh
Road Conservation
Restriction
Creation and acquisition of a conservation restriction
on 3 wooded lots addressed 150 and 180 Great Marsh
Road and 55 Hayes Road, Centerville .
5/7/2020
Open Space
28 Falcon Road
Acquisition Acquisition of 28 Falcon Road, West Barnstable for
open space purposes with a conservation restriction
to be held by Barnstable Land Trust .
11/19/2020 Open Space
830 Wakeby Road
Acquisition
Acquisition of 15.8 acres of land in Marstons Mills for
open space/water resources purposes .
11/19/2020 Open Space
Pickleball Courts -
Osterville/W Barnstable
Rd .
Rehabilitation of town-owned existing tennis courts
to create 10 new pickleball courts and 2 tennis courts
with pickleball lines overlaid for dual purpose .
12/3/2020 Recreation
Centerville Recreation
Playground Renovation of the town-owned recreation resource
Centerville Recreation Playground by replacing existing
outdated playground equipment with ADA-compliant
equipment, playground surfaces, and pathway from
parking area; and landscaping.
8/19/2021 Recreation
Barnstable Hollow Field
Playground Renovation of town-owned recreation resource by
replacing existing playground equipment with ADA-
compliant equipment, walkways, playground surfaces .
Installation of new seating with shade and water
bottle filling station.
8/19/2021 Recreation
Source: Community Preservation Coalition, CPA Projects Database
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 45 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 45
Table 1 .4 . Town of Barnstable, Open Space
by Level of Protection
Level of
Protection
# of Parcels Total Area
(ac)
None 30 570
Limited 34 189
In Perpetuity 931 11,469
Totals 995 12,228
Source: MassGIS, “Protected and Recreational Open Space",
updated August 2022.
Table 1 .4 lists Open Space by Level of Protection
and shows 30 parcels totaling 570 acres with no
open space protection. Thirty-four parcels totaling
189 acres have limited open space protection
and are located in all seven villages and include
school playgrounds, cemeteries, nine privately
held properties with conservation restrictions
(see Map 3.5). Barnstable contains 931 parcels
totaling 11,469 acres of open space protected in
perpetuity . The vast majority of parcels protected
in perpetuity are located throughout the town in
all seven villages and consist of Land Bank parcels,
conservation areas, water department land, fire
district land, as well as private properties with
conservation restrictions.
In addition to government entities, private land
trusts have been critical in protecting open space
as well. Open Space classified by owner type can
be found in Table 1 .5 and illustrated in Map 1 .6 .
Municipally owned land accounts for 77 percent
of open space parcels, followed by 10 percent
Table 1 .5 . Town of Barnstable, Open Space by Owner
Owner Type # of
Parcels
Owners Total Area
(ac)
County 5 Town of Barnstable Conservation Commission 90
Conservation
Organization
1
Three Bays Preservation (managed by Mass Audubon)
91
State
11 DCR - Division of State Parks & Recreation; Department of Fish &
Game
418
Land Trust
233
Barnstable Land Trust; Compact of Cape Cod Conservation Trusts;
Mary Barton Land Conservation Trust; Mass Audubon Society; Native
Land Conservancy; Orenda Wildlife Land Trust; Nature Conservancy;
The Trustees of Reservations
1256
Municipal 643 Town of Barnstable 9422
Non-Profit 2 Roman Catholic Bishop of Fall River (Pope John Paul II H.S.; Cemetery) 3
Private
99 Barnstable Fire Tower; Private Conservation Restrictions (CRs); Private
Recreation Clubs
948
Totals 994 12,228
Source: MassGIS Data, “Protected and Recreational Open Space”, updated August 2022.
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 46 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 46
Table 1 .6 . Chapter 61 Programs
Program Acreage
Minimum
Land Use Forest
Management Plan
Public Access
Chapter 61
10 Acres Undeveloped, Forest 10-Year Plan
No Land or Forest Products Required
Chapter 61 A
5 Acres
Agricultural 10-Year Plan
No Required
Chapter 61 B
5 Acres
Open Space 10-Year Plan
No
Required
Recreation
No Access Required
Source: UMass Cooperative Extension and Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, Chapter 61 Programs:
Understanding Massachusetts Ch. 61 Current Tax Programs (n.d.).
for land trusts . That leaves the remaining 13
percent of open space owned by the Town of
Barnstable Conservation Commission, Three
Bays Preservation (managed by Mass Audubon),
DCR Division of State Parks & Recreation,
Department of Fish & Game, Non-Profits,
Private Conservation Restrictions, and Private
Recreation Clubs.
The Barnstable Land Trust has protected 620
acres in the Town of Barnstable .23 It worked
together with town leaders to protect large
sections of Barnstable’s Great Marsh, Crocker
Neck, Bridge Creek, and many smaller parcels.
Barnstable’s on-going commitment to open space
protection was demonstrated by strong public
and private efforts. Other major open space
needs have guided preservation efforts. Lands
held by the water districts for drinking water
protection represent a large portion of the unde-
veloped land in Barnstable . Working landscapes,
including local farms and cranberry bogs, also are
an integral part of Barnstable’s landscape .
Collectively, these properties represent a long
history of conservation efforts in Barnstable
that have produced a varied and well-connected
network of open spaces throughout the Town .
Chapter 61 Lands
The Chapter 61 statues offer property
owners preferential tax treatment to assist
with keeping open spaces with natural and
scenic value from being sold and developed .
Individuals and households that do not develop
their land, for a defined period of time, could
be eligible under Massachusetts Chapter 61
Classification and Taxation of Forest Lands and
Forests Products to be exempt from having to
pay property taxes. Table 1 .6 contains the three
programs that exist under Chapter 61 that
focus on different land uses and have different
regulations for stewardship.
Most Chapter 61 programs require the comple-
tion of a ten-year management plan reviewed
by a state service forester with an inventory of
the property’s resources, maps, and long-term
stewardship goals, with the exception of Chapter
61B land designated as recreational. Depending
on the program type, minimum acreage
requirements range from five to ten acres.
23 MassGIS Data, Protected and Recreational Open Space, August 2022.
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 47 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 47
Chapter 61A mandates land uses, requiring an
owner to produce garden or agricultural
products like produce, timber, animal products,
or decorative plants for a minimum of two years
before application.24 Chapter 61B is the final
program for tax relief with the least regulation
and is best for property owners who take a
passive approach . Those who decide to apply
for Chapter 61B can navigate between an open
space or recreation designation; open space uses
require a management plan, but do not mandate
public access, while recreational designations do
not require review plans but mandate the public
or members of a nonprofit organization have
access to land .
If any land under Chapter 61, 61A, or 61B is
intended to be converted to a non-chapter use
(either sold or retained in the same ownership)
while enrolled or within one fiscal year of being
removed from the program, the Town has the
option to match a bona fide offer to purchase
the property pursuant to a defined process and
associated timeline.
Greenways, Corridors, and
Connectivity
Over the past several decades the Town’s strong
commitment to planning for open space and
recreation has been guided by a corridors and
greenways strategy .
The priority upland greenway is the east-west
oriented glacial moraine, which roughly follows
Route 6 . This area is valued for its hilly terrain,
forest cover, and wildlife habitat . Many of the
Town’s significant conservation parcels are
located along this greenbelt, including the West
Barnstable, Old Jail Lane, Hathaway’s Pond,
Image caption here.
Hyannis Ponds, and Otis Atwood Conservation
Areas . The Town’s two golf courses add to the
significant open space acreage along the
corridor. These acquisitions along Route 6 make
up the “backbone” of the Town’s conservation
lands and contribute to regional green infra-
structure and Cape Cod Pathways goals .25
Additional conservation efforts continue to
focus on smaller corridors running north-south
and linking to the larger conservation greenway
along the moraine. Numerous parcels along
the Marstons Mills River, Centerville River,
Maraspin Creek, Little River, and other sensitive
riparian corridors have been preserved . Property
acquisitions along Barnstable coastlines support
highly productive ecosystems, provide popular
recreation opportunities, and preserve the
scenic quality of the seashore. Collectively, the
conservation of these parcels is essential to the
health of Barnstable’s coastal resources .
24 UMass Cooperative Extension and Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, Chapter 61 Programs:
Understanding Massachusetts Ch. 61 Current Tax Programs (n.d.).
25 Town of Barnstable Open Space and Recreation Plan, 2018, 71-72.
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 48 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 48
Sandy Neck Area of Critical
Environmental Concern (ACEC)
An equally important long-range objective has
been the preservation of the Great Marshes in
West Barnstable, which are part of the Sandy
Neck Area of Critical Environmental Concern
(ACEC). Areas of Critical Environmental Concern
are places in Massachusetts that receive special
recognition because of the quality, uniqueness
and significance of their natural and cultural
resources . Barnstable Great Marsh is an integral
part of the ecologically significant 3,800-acre
Sandy Neck salt marsh and barrier beach system.
Along with the expansive salt marsh views, the
sanctuary features two open ponds, shady oak
woodlands, and numerous wildlife . Three species
of owls commonly inhabit the sanctuary in winter,
and five species of turtles nest here in summer.26
In the Great Marshes, large tracts are held as
town conservation land; the Barnstable Land
Trust, Orenda Wildlife Trust, and Massachusetts
Audubon Society also have important holdings in
this area. Incremental parcel acquisitions north
of Route 6A by the Town and private conserva-
tion groups have contributed to the preservation
of this environmentally sensitive area.
Sandy Neck Beach.
26 “Barnstable Great Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary, Mass Audubon, accessed January 2023.
Sandy Neck Beach.
Sandy Neck is a tremendous asset to the town as
it is a protective barrier to the north and is
undeveloped land. Sandy Neck Park encom-
passes 4,700 acres of extensive barrier beach
that is accessible via boat or off-road vehicle
(ORV), including the nine acres on the far west
side of the Park categorized by the Assessing
Department as a beach. Sandy Neck Park is part
of the Sandy Neck Area of Critical Environmental
Concern (ACEC) petitioned by the Towns of
Barnstable and Sandwich and designated by
the State in 1978. Sandy Neck Park acreage is
apportioned as follows:
• Land Bank/CPA – 33.01 acres;
• Town Beach – 9.1 acres;
• Municipal Property – 135.95 acres;
• Private Open Space (Barnstable Land Trust
and The Nature Conservancy) – 62.55 acres;
• Conservation – remainder.
Sandy Neck Beach Park allows ORV access with a
permit and this activity occurs on the front
beach corridor, which is 4 .5 miles long . However,
the ORV corridor is reduced in length for much
of the summer season due to nesting Plovers
and Least Terns that require protection under
state and federal law . Along the south side of
the property is the Marsh Trail that runs east to
west. There are six trails that run north-south
between the front beach and the Marsh Trail .
These trails are used by hikers and are also
utilized for vehicular access to Sandy Neck
cottages. There are 50 privately owned cottages.
Some are on private lands and those that are
located on town owned land require a yearly
property lease. These cottages are situated along
the Marsh Trail and within the Cottage Colony,
which is also where the Sandy Neck Lighthouse
is located .27
A management plan for the Park was developed in
2003. Management activities are overseen by the
Sandy Neck Board with staff support from the
Town Marine and Environmental Affairs Division.28
Education and Public Awareness The
Barnstable Natural Resources Program provides
educational and outreach opportunities for local
school groups, libraries, and community centers
with such topics as wildlife, turtles, natural
resource officer work, and river herring. The
Natural Resource Program staff also partici- pate
at various wildlife, environment, and nature
expos in the Barnstable area with a traveling
animal exhibit, shellfish tank, or live turtles.
These classroom visits and outreach expos
help the local community and visitors become
aware of natural resources, wildlife, habitat, and
environmental regulations in Barnstable.
27 Massachusetts Piping Plover Habitat Conservation Plan Certificate of Inclusion Request 2020 Sandy Neck Beach Park, Barnstable
Massachusetts, Prepared by Marine and Environmental Affairs Division, Town of Barnstable, December 2019.
28 Town of Barnstable Open Space and Recreation Plan, 2018, 73–74.
46 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan
Commented [KM8]: Regarding Sandy Neck Beach Park,
the project for relocation of the parking area and new ROV
beach access should be described here is greater detail. This
has been a multiyear effort to permit and fund this project
and should be noted as a key success in dune protection,
hazard mitigation and agency cooperation
Parks and Recreation
The Recreation Division manages the Town’s
public swimming beaches, and the Hyannis and
Olde Barnstable Fair Grounds Golf Courses as
well as numerous public playing fields and parks.
The town has implemented an environmentally
sustainable land management plan at the golf
courses to reduce the use of fertilizers and
pesticides. The town is in the process of making
improvements to the golf course, including cart
path improvements at Hyannis Golf Course .
The Recreation Commission conducted a
facilities assessment in 2012 that was used to
set priorities for facilities improvements. To
date, there has been progress towards each
project . The Commission is considering another
study to reprioritize needs identified in the
2017 Field Study .
The Hyannis Youth and Community Center built
in 2009 continues to serve as a focal point for
many community recreation programs and
services . The center is a year-round full-service
facility with two skating rinks, two basketball
courts, a skateboard park, a cafe, and a Youth
Center with after-school programming.29
Cotuit Memorial Park.
29 Town of Barnstable Open Space and Recreation Plan, 2018, 15–16.
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 47
Several goals of the 2010 LCP have been
accomplished in the area of Recreation with field
upgrades throughout the villages including the
pickleball complex in Marstons Mills that opened
last year . Lombard Field improvements were
completed with a combination of Community
Preservation Act (CPA) funding and Capital
funds. The Osterville Bay Softball Field was
completed and funded through the Capital
Improvement Program (CIP). The Barnstable
Hollow Playground improvements project was
completed which included replacing existing
playground equipment with ADA-compliant
equipment, walkways, playground surfaces,
installation of new seating with shade and water
bottle filling station.
The redesign of the Centerville Playground is
underway . The Town is seeking CIP funds to
redesign the HYCC grounds to expand recre-
ational opportunities.
Habitat
Overview
The Southeastern Massachusetts Pine Barrens
is the eco-region that the Town of Barnstable
and the entire peninsula of Cape Cod are
located within . Pine barrens are a globally
rare habitat type composed of a unique
mixture of plants and animals that thrive on
the nutrient-poor soils and variable climate
found on Cape Cod . Within the pine barrens
eco-region, there are many and varied habitat
Image caption here.
Critical Habitats
Critical habitats in Barnstable have been
identified by the MassWildlife’s Natural
Heritage and Endangered Species Program
(NHESP), Core Biomap, and Cape Cod Wildlife
Conservation Project.
Three major NHESP Core Habitat areas include
and surround the Town’s three largest conserva-
tion areas: West Barnstable Conservation Area,
Sandy Neck barrier beach, and the Division of
31
types, including pitch pine-oak woodlands,
transitional hardwood-pine forests, streams
and rivers, ponds and lakes, vernal pools, shrub
and forested swamps, estuaries, salt marshes,
dunes, beaches, grasslands, and others .30
Fisheries and Wildlife Land .
BioMap incorporates enhanced knowledge of
biodiversity and habitats, improved information
on the threats to biodiversity, and new under-
standings of how to ensure that natural systems
30 Cape Cod Regional Policy Plan, Cape Cod Commission, February 22, 2019, 32.
31 Town of Barnstable Open Space and Recreation Plan, 2018, 51–52.
48 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 49
are more resilient in the face of climate change .
Core Habitat identifies areas that are critical
for the long-term persistence of rare species,
exemplary natural communities, and resilient
ecosystems across the Commonwealth .
Core Habitat contains six components of biodi-
versity conservation:
Priority Natural Communities are two types
of natural communities—groups of plant and
animal species that share common
environmental conditions and occur together
repeatedly on the landscape—are priorities for
protection: those that are rare and those that
are exemplary. Protection, management, and
conservation of these communities will help
to support the persistence of characteristic
common species as well as rare species
throughout Massachusetts. Barnstable has
seven priority natural communities covering
over 5,700 acres, the vast majority of which is in
the Great Marsh and Sandy Neck areas: Coastal
Plain Pond Shore Community, Interdunal Marsh/
Swale, Maritime Dune Community, Maritime
Forest/Woodland, Maritime Juniper Woodland/
Shrubland, Maritime Pitch Pine Woodland on
Dunes, and Salt Marsh .
Rare Species Core captures areas critical to long-
term conservation of our most vulnerable
species and their habitats . It includes habitat for
more than four hundred state-listed animals and
plants protected pursuant to the Massachusetts
Endangered Species Act (MESA), based on
information contained in the Natural Heritage &
Endangered Species Program (NHESP) database.
Barnstable has 10,391 acres of Rare Species
Core habitat, including but not limited to the
West Barnstable Conservation Area, Hyannis
Ponds Wildlife Management Area, Skunkett River
Wildlife Sanctuary, Long Beach, Great Marsh,
and Sandy Neck.
Forest Core represents the most intact forests of
Massachusetts, least impacted by roads and
development . These forests provide unique
forest interior habitat important for animals and
plants that depend on these remote sanctuaries .
Barnstable does not have any land that is classi-
fied as forest core habitat according to BioMap.
Aquatic Core encompasses those segments of
rivers and streams and entire lakes and ponds
with the highest native fish and freshwater
mussel species diversity, rivers with the stron-
gest anadromous fish runs, and occurrences of
rare species. Floodplains are active parts of the
stream channel and so were therefore incor-
porated into segments of rivers and streams .
Barnstable has 2,079 acres that are classified as
aquatic core habitat, mainly consisting of the
interior pond areas throughout the town .
Wetland Core comprises the most intact, least
disturbed wetlands—those with intact buffers
and little fragmentation or other stressors
associated with development, like pollution.
Wetlands provide irreplaceable habitat for
hundreds of unique plant and animal species
found nowhere else on the landscape .
Barnstable has 198 acres of wetland core
habitat, mainly along the Skunknett River and in
Sandy Neck State Park.
Vernal Pool Core includes high quality vernal
pools—small seasonal wetlands that typically fill
with water in the autumn or winter and dry up
by the end of summer—along with surrounding
upland habitat for connectivity. These temporary
wetlands provide important habitat for a variety
of species, including amphibians and inverte-
brates, that use them to breed. The Vernal Pool
Core habitats total 1,541 acres in Barnstable
and are located in Sandy Neck, Great Marsh,
Bridge Creek Conservation Area, Hyannis Ponds
Wildlife Management Area, Sandy Hill Pond, and
the Water Department Land west of Hathaways
Pond Conservation Area.
The Massachusetts Natural Heritage &
Endangered Species Program (NHESP) docu-
ments the presence of plant and animal species
protected under the Massachusetts Endangered
Species Act (MESA) across the Commonwealth.
Table 1 .7 identifies plant Species of Conservation
Concern (e.g., species protected under MESA
or of significant regional conservation concern)
found in Barnstable. By protecting Species of
Conservation Concern, Massachusetts commu-
nities can help ensure the long-term survival of
rare and other native species and maintain a
high level of biodiversity .
Barnstable’s beach, dune, bay, wetland, and
forest habitats support a range of fish and wildlife
species . Barnstable’s barrier beaches and ponds
provide important quality habitat to migratory
shorebirds . Large, protected open space areas
provide recreation opportunities for people and
connect habitat, facilitating the movement of
wildlife . However, encroachment by develop-
ment, water quality impairments, invasive plants,
colonization of open areas by tree and shrub
growth, and rising sea levels can negatively affect
fish and wildlife habitat. Table 1 .8 lists fish and
wildlife species identified by the NHESP as Species
of Conservation Concern in Barnstable.
Critical Natural Landscapes
Natural Landscapes support ecological processes
and a wide array of species and habitats over
long time frames. BioMap identifies Critical
Natural Landscapes (CNLs) encompassing 15,107
Long Pasture.
50 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 51
Table 1 .7 . Plant Species of Conservation Concern in Barnstable
Common Name Scientific Name MESA Status
Adder's Tongue Fern Ophioglossum pusillum Threatened
Bristly Foxtail Setaria parviflora Special Concern
Commons' Rosette-grass Dichanthelium commonsianum Special Concern
Cranefly Orchid Tipularia discolor Endangered
Dwarf Bulrush Lipocarpha micrantha Threatened
Grass-leaved Ladies'-tresses Spiranthes vernalis Threatened
Heartleaf Twayblade Neottia cordata Endangered
Long-beaked Beaksedge Rhynchospora scirpoides Special Concern
Maryland Meadow-beauty Rhexia mariana Endangered
Mitchell's Sedge Carex mitchelliana Threatened
New England Blazing Star Liatris novae-angliae Special Concern
Papillose Nut Sedge Scleria pauciflora Endangered
Philadelphia Panic-grass Panicum philadelphicum ssp.
philadelphicum
Special Concern
Plymouth Gentian Sabatia kennedyana Special Concern
Pondshore Smartweed Persicaria puritanorum Special Concern
Purple Needlegrass Aristida purpurascens Threatened
Redroot Lachnanthes caroliniana Special Concern
Sandplain Gerardia Agalinis acuta Endangered
Short-beaked Beaksedge Rhynchospora nitens Threatened
Slender Bladderwort Utricularia subulata Special Concern
Slender Marsh Pink Sabatia campanulata Endangered
Stiff Yellow Flax Linum medium var. texanum Threatened
Swamp Oats Sphenopholis pensylvanica Threatened
Terete Arrowhead Sagittaria teres Special Concern
Torrey's Beaksedge Rhynchospora torreyana Endangered
Wright's Rosette-grass Dichanthelium wrightianum Special Concern
Source: Rare Species Viewer, MassWildlife's Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program, acquired 1/18/2023.
Table 1 .8 . Fish & Wildlife Species of Conservation Concern in Barnstable
Common Name Scientific Name Taxonomic Group MESA Status
Agassiz's Clam Shrimp Eulimnadia agassizii Crustacean Endangered
Arctic Tern Sterna paradisaea Bird Special Concern
Bald Eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus Bird Threatened
Bridle Shiner Notropis bifrenatus Fish Special Concern
Buck Moth Hemileuca maia Butterfly/Moth Special Concern
Chain Dot Geometer Cingilia catenaria Butterfly/Moth Special Concern
Chain Fern Borer Papaipema stenocelis Butterfly/Moth Threatened
Coastal Heathland Cutworm Abagrotis benjamini Butterfly/Moth Special Concern
Common Tern Sterna hirundo Bird Special Concern
Eastern Box Turtle Terrapene carolina Reptile Special Concern
Eastern Pondmussel Ligumia nasuta Mussel Special Concern
Eastern Spadefoot Scaphiopus holbrookii Amphibian Threatened
Frosted Elfin Callophrys irus Butterfly/Moth Special Concern
Grasshopper Sparrow Ammodramus savannarum Bird Threatened
Least Tern Sternula antillarum Bird Special Concern
Long-eared Owl Asio otus Bird Special Concern
Mustard White Pieris oleracea Butterfly/Moth Threatened
North Atlantic Right Whale Eubalaena glacialis Mammal Endangered
Northern Diamond-backed
Terrapin
Malaclemys terrapin
Reptile
Threatened
Northern Long-eared Bat Myotis septentrionalis Mammal Endangered
Northern Parula Setophaga americana Bird Threatened
Pine Barrens Bluet Enallagma recurvatum Dragonfly/Damselfly Threatened
Pine Barrens Speranza Speranza exonerata Butterfly/Moth Special Concern
Pine Barrens Zale Zale lunifera Butterfly/Moth Special Concern
Piping Plover Charadrius melodus Bird Threatened
Purple Tiger Beetle Cicindela purpurea Beetle Special Concern
Roseate Tern Sterna dougallii Bird Endangered
52 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 53
Table 1 .8 . Fish & Wildlife Species of Conservation Concern in Barnstable
Common Name Scientific Name Taxonomic Group MESA Status
Scarlet Bluet Enallagma pictum Dragonfly/Damselfly Threatened
Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus Bird Endangered
Tidewater Mucket Leptodea ochracea Mussel Special Concern
Tule Bluet Enallagma carunculatum Dragonfly/Damselfly Special Concern
Water-willow Stem Borer Papaipema sulphurata Butterfly/Moth Threatened
Source: Rare Species Viewer, MassWildlife's Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program, acquired 1/18/2023.
acres within the Town of Barnstable .32 CNLs
include large landscape blocks that are minimally
impacted by development, as well as buffers to
core habitats and coastal areas, both of which
enhance connectivity and resilience.
CNL contains several components of biodiversity
conservation:
Landscape Blocks comprise large areas of
intact lands and waters that provide habitat
for wide-ranging species and support dynamic
and resilient ecosystems . These landscapes
allow species to move freely among habitats
and buffer smaller natural communities from
development and other stressors . There is one
Landscape Block critical natural landscape in
Barnstable totaling 6,136 acres in the Great
Marsh and Sandy Neck area.
Coastal Adaptation Areas include salt marsh and
other habitats along the Massachusetts coast
that support unique and important habitat, rare
species, and intact coastal ecosystems of global
significance. These rich ecosystems provide
abundant resources for species and also absorb
storm surges, protecting inland infrastructure
and property . Barnstable has 4,650 acres of
Coastal Adaptation areas found along the
northern coast of town as well as smaller areas
located across the southern portion of town.
Tern Foraging Habitat comprises coastal areas
including sandy gravelly islands and barrier
beaches, bays, lagoons, estuaries, tidal marshes,
ponds, and tidal inlets that are vital to the
survival of these migratory species . Three
species—the common tern, least tern, and arctic
tern—are of special concern in Massachusetts,
while the roseate tern is endangered . Great
Marsh and Sandy Neck along the northern coast
of town, along with several areas along the
southern coast of town comprise the 9,513 acres
of Tern Foraging Habitat in Barnstable .
Aquatic Buffers include both intact lands and
wetlands that help to support Aquatic Core
habitats and functionality as well as provide
important areas of connectivity for species that
move between habitats. Pond areas including:
Mystic Pond, Middle Pond, Hamblin Pond,
Shubael Pond, Wequaquet Lake, Hathaways
Pond, Long Pond, and Lovells Pond make up the
vast majority of the 2,079 acres of aquatic buffer.
32 MassWildlife and the Nature Conservancy, BioMap, November 2022.
• Implementing the Resource Protection
Overlay District which increased the minimum
lot size to two acres in most areas of Town;
• Promoting Open Space Residential Design
subdivisions in place of grid subdivisions; and
• Mapping Sensitive Habitat Areas and using
the map as a guide for review and permitting
development in affected areas.
Wetland Buffer comprises areas of intact habitat
surrounding each Wetland Core. These protective
buffers support vital wetland habitat, water
quality, and other functions as well as provide
important connectivity for species that move
between upland and wetland habitats . Mary
Dunn Pond, Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary,
Skunkett River Wildlife Sanctuary, and Sandy Neck
Beach area account for the 859 acres of wetland
buffer areas around the wetland core areas.
Ongoing development poses a major threat to
the protection of significant habitats. Of partic-
ular concern is the subdivision of large tracts
of land for residences, which replace native
vegetation with impervious surfaces and lawns.
The Town has undertaken measures that seek to
address this threat, including:
Habitat Restoration and
Fire Prevention
The Conservation Division also works on fire
management improvements throughout the
Town . Improvements that have taken place
since 2010 include controlled prescribed burns
for wildlife habitat restoration and forest fire
fuel reduction, removal of dead pines on Old
Stage Road, maintaining 33 acres of fields
for habitat protection and fire prevention at
Seabury Farms Conservation Area, West
Barnstable Conservation Area, and Bridge Creek
Conservation Area.33
33 Town of Barnstable Open Space and Recreation Plan, 2018, 14–15.
54 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan
E Built Systems
Barnstable is comprised of seven villages, unique
landscapes, and an infrastructure network to
support it all. Early village-based development
led to a rich local setting that continues to
respond to climate resiliency measures and
strives for an increased sustainability conscious•
ness. The community continues to develop to
meet the needs of year-round populations and
tourists while adapting to the physical environ•
ment as a coastal community.
Land Use and Development
Overview
Land use and development lives at the intersec•
tion of natural, built, and community systems.
Decisions about land use directly impact the
protection of our sensitive environmental areas
and waterbodies; the most efficient, effective,
and resilient locations for development,
redevelopment, and infrastructure; and where
people live and work, how they can travel from
place to place, and how they interact with one
another in community.
While the most populous town on the Cape,
Barnstable is home to a variety of important
water, coastal, wetland, wildlife, historic, and
open space resources. In fact, being the center
of commerce and population on the Cape
makes it especially important that Barnstable
protect, preserve, and where possible restore
these resources and be mindful of how devel•
opment may affect them. A large part of this is
promoting development and redevelopment
where infrastructure and drinking water can
support it, where impacts from climate change,
sea-level rise, flooding, and other hazards are
minimized. However, like many communities
up and down the New England coast, much of
Barnstable's historic population and economic
activity is located on the waterfront. Evaluation
of the need to protect, accommodate, or in
some cases, retreat existing development will be
a future planning challenge.
Current Land Use and
Land Use Trends
The history of land use in Barnstable is very
similar to other parts of New England. Village
centers initially huddled around harbors, rivers,
and other natural features, with agricultural
lands, and working and wild forests beyond.
While this pattern of village development
remains, over time, residential subdivisions,
auto-oriented commercial corridors, and
light industrial uses have fanned out from the
traditional centers. See Map 2.1, a map of
Barnstable's traditional village centers.
Map 2.2. illustrates current land use. As can be
seen, denser residential development is
concentrated in the central and southeastern
portions of town with more conservation lands
to the north and northwest. Commercial uses
are largely concentrated along the eastern
end of Route 132 and in downtown Hyannis,
with industrial uses mostly clustered along
Independence Drive between the Cape Cod
Gateway Airport and Route 6.
62 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan
Pleasant Street Construction
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Com prehensive Plan 63
Natural Areas
Sandy Neck Beach.
Rural Development Areas
Bumps River Road.
Regional Commerce C enter
Image caption here.
64 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan
Barnstable consists of many different and unique
land use types; these areas serve as a conceptual
framework for future land use planning.
Natural Areas: Natural Areas are generally the
Town's least developed and most sensitive areas.
While Barnstable is the most populous and also
one of the most built out municipalities on the
Cape, it has a wealth of natural areas such as
Sandy Neck, the Great Marshes, and other local
and privately held conservation lands.
Rural Development Areas: Rural Development
Areas are defined by a high percentage of
open lands and sparse building development
patterns that contribute to the unique rural
and scenic character of the region. Areas such
as West Barnstable, larger lot areas around
village centers, and the Town's few remaining
agricultural areas and farms all contribute to the
Town's rural character.
Suburban Development Areas: Suburban
Development Areas include residential
neighborhoods built primarily between the
1950s and 1990s as well as automobile-ori•
ented commercial development established
during the same time period. A great deal of
Barnstable has been developed in this manner,
as seen in the many residential subdivisions
and strip shopping centers.
Regional Commercial Center: The Regional
Commercial Center in Hyannis and Barnstable
Village is characterized by larger-scale commer•
cial and light-industrial uses, interspersed with
higher density residential development. This
area serves an important role in the regional
economy, providing goods and services,
year-round jobs, and economic stability and
sustainability in a seasonal region. This area
includes land designated as centers for industrial
activity, suitable for industrial uses and emerging
industries. Con tinued multi-family development
in these areas is challenging the traditional
characterization of these areas as exclusively
commercial and industrial.
Historic Areas: Historic Areas consist of concen•
trations of historic structu res, includin g local and/
or National Register districts locate d in a small•
scale village setting. Particularly notable historic
areas in Barnstable are found in and around th e
village cen ters of Barn stable, Cen terville, Cotuit,
Craigville, Hy annis, Hyannisport, Osterville, and
West Barn stable. These areas include not only
historic buildings, but cemeter ies, landscape
feature s, and viewsheds .
Maritime Areas: Maritime Areas are clusters of
commercial and mixed-use developmen t that
co ntribute to Cape Cod's working waterfronts
and ha rbors. Barn stable is home to some of the
most active maritime areas on the Cape, including
productive fishing industries, co mmuter and
visitor ferry service, recre ational marinas, and
more. Barn stable Harbor, Hyannis Harbor, and
m ultiple other marinas and yacht clubs provide
jobs, attract tourists, and are an integral part of
the local culture and quality of life.
Transportation Areas: Transportation Areas
consist of large land areas developed with and
devoted to infrastructure such as airports, and
Join t Base Cape Cod. As noted, Barn stable is
the most significant transportation hub on the
Cape, home to the Cape Cod Gateway Airport,
Cape Cod Airfield, the Ste amship Authority and
Hy-line Cruise s, and the Hyannis Transportation
C enter which provides local and regional bus
service s as well as seasonal commuter rail and
freigh t service. These are great resources for tow n
residents, visitors, and residents across the Cape.
Historic Are as
Image caption here.
Maritime Areas
Image caption here.
Transportation Areas
/
Image caption here.
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 65
Commented [KM1]: Marstons Mills was not mentioned in
the Historic areas.
Development Tren d s
As is true across Cape Cod, development trends
have slowed significantly in recent years.
Barnstable largely maintained its village-cen•
tered development pattern up until World War
II. After this time, as was the case in much of the
country, residential development boomed, and
many farms, forests, and other undeveloped
lands were developed into residential subdivi•
sions, commercial, industrial, institutional, and
other uses. The rate of development peaked in
the 1970s and 1980s, but generally continued
throughout the 1990s, when building permits
regularly exceeded 230 per year.
The Town's Growth Management Ordinance,
adopted in 2001, sets an annual building permit
limit of 96 new market rate permits and 36
new affordable units which may be adjusted
should an excess number of permits be issued in
a calendar year. Since 2001, increases in
conservation land, more stringent policies for
wetlands, floodplains, and water quality, the cost
of land and construction, and limited regulatory
opportunities for infill development and denser
housing alternatives have all combined to
dampen development activity, even though
demand (particularly for housing) remains high.
As the data above shows, new residential
construction remains very low. In the seven
years from 2015--2021, an average of just over
50 new residential units were permitted each
year. This is down from an average of 118 per
year in the seven years from 2000-2006 leading
up to the Great Recession, and far below the
peak construction rates from the 1950s through
the 1990s.
New non-residential construction has seen a
similar though less sharp decline, with an
average of just over 12 new permits each year
from 2015--2021, down from an average of just
over 19 from 2000-2006.
Conversely, permits for additions and renova•
tions to existing homes and buildings have been
booming, roughly doubling in an average year
what used to be seen earlier in this century.
This suggests that as new construction becomes
more difficult and expensive to build, housing
and development needs are being met by
altering what we already have.
Another way Barnstable is meeting the changing
housing needs of the community is by permitting
more multi-family dwellings. While the data
above does not differentiate between types of
residential units, Town staff have been tracking
new multi-family housing development. In recent
years, according to the Barnstable Department of
Planning and Development, the Town has seen
356 multi-family dwellings completed in new
and renovated buildings. Of these, just over 10
percent are deed restricted affordable housing,
most reserved for households with incomes at
or below 65 percent of the area median income
(AMI). Table 2.2 below shows multi-family
dwelling development in permitting through final
construction since 2017.34
The multi-family dwelling developments will
significantly bolster new housing opportunities
in Barnstable, in terms of both housing type
and affordability.
34 Town of Barnstable Planning & Development
66 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan
Resi Calendar Year Co
dential New
nstruction
Additions & New C Renovations
Residential
onstruction Additions &
Renovations
2000
201
527
19
132
2001 180 458 27 97
2002 111 573 17 119
2003 96 607 29 126
2004 67 693 17 148
2005 98 604 16 167
2006 73 607 10 157
2007 67 722 8 161
2008 so
775
21
220
2009 40 554 20 326
2010 58 681 10 226
2011 40 810 15 315
2012 so
1,066
14
325
2013 65 1,230 11 265
2014 83 1,421 17 288
2015 94 1,562 5 304
2016 58 1,796 17 217
2017 60 1,609 16 459
2018 43 1,587 19 570
2019 28 1,783 4 264
2020 33 1,664 14 239
2021 38 1,180 11 205
2022 47 635 7 402
Table 2.1. Building Permit Data
Residential
Non- Non-Residential
Source: Town of Ba rnstable
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 67
••
Table 2.2 Multi-Family Unit Permit Da ta, last updated 6/15/2023
Town of Barnstable Housing Values {2017-2023}
Total Total 50% 65% 80% 100% Affordable Units Units AMI AMI AMI AMI
In Permitting
Project is before the Town's Site Plan Review Com mittee or, as applicable, zoning relief is being soug ht
201 Main Street 95 10 10
+
19 Bearses Road 8 •
Quarterra 312 TBD 35 Scudder Avenue
78 North Street 11 1 1
+ ~
50 Main Street 13 TBD
439 11 0 1 0 0 Total
Perm itted
Project has come before the Town's Site Plan Review Committee and has been approved to proceed and, as
applicable, project has been granted zoning relief
310 Barnstable Road 30 3 3
+ ~
421 West Main Street 4 .. ..
442 Main Street 5
252 Main Street 2
171 Main Street 9
+ ~
Sea Captains Row Phase 2
24, 28, 43, 44, 53, 56, 64 and 66 Pleasant 14 2 2
Street and 86 South Street
68 Yarmouth Road 8 f ..
Total 72 5 2 3 0 0
Under Construction
Building Permit has been issued
77 Pleasant Street 2 - I - I
+New England Development
0 and 35 Wilkens Lane
Sea Captains Row Phase I
272 36 28 8
+
24, 28, 43, 44, 53, 56, 64 and 66 Pleasant Street 46
and 86 South Street .. ..
112 West Main Street 8
+ ~
63 Main Street 8 .. ..
80 Pearl Street 8 ---
1600 Falmouth Road (Bell Tower) 26 3 3 ..
Residences at 850 Falmouth Road 53 10 10
Total 423 49 10 31 8 0
68 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan
•
Table 2.2 Multi-Fa mily Unit Permit Data, last upd ated 6/15/2023
Town of Barnstable Housing Values {2017-2023}
Total Total 50% 65% 80% 100% Affordable Units Units AMI AMI AMI AMI
Final Construction
Final Certificate of Occupancy has been issued
49 Center Street 5 - I - I
+ Everleigh Cape Cod 230 23 23 265 Communication Way
185 Ridgewood Avenue 8 1 - I 1
Carriage House Phase 1 29 3 3 939 Mary Dunn Road +
49 Elm Avenue 3
255 Main Street 10 2 -: 2
57 Ridgewood Avenue
8
2 : I
2
Carriage House Phase 2 29 3 3
939 Mary Dunn Road .. ..
Cape Cod Times 22 2 2 319 and 331 Main Street
39 Pearl Street 9
High School Road .. • ..
0 and 17 High School Road 8
Total 361 36 0 31 3 2
Source: Town of Barnstable Planning & Development
Land Use Management
The Town has adopted many ordinances and
other policies and procedures over the years to
ensure that land use and development are prop•
erly managed and consistent with Town goals.
Zoning and Other Land Use Bylaws
The Zoning Ordinance is the primary land use
regulation in Barnstable. It contains provisions
for land use in all zoning districts, and provisions
for nonconforming uses and use variances.
The Town of Barnstable's Town Council form of
government allows the Planning Board and
other entities to propose changes to the Zoning
Ordinance to the Town Council, which acts as
the legislative body. This structure allows more
frequent opportunities for zoning amendments
than the traditional town meeting form of
government and allows the Town to be more
responsive to change.
The Town's Zoning Ordinance is complex, with
a wide array of zoning districts, subdistricts,
and overlay districts. Two maps (Map 2.3 Base
Zoning and Map 2.4 Zoning Overlay Districts)
depict these various zones and overlays. In
summary, these include:
• 12 Residential Districts -- These districts
primarily allow single-family detached homes
at various densities, but also include provi•
sions for open space residential development
and private-initiated affordable housing.
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 69
• 8 Business and Office Districts -- These
districts allow for a wide variety of commer•
cial uses and most also allow for residential
uses, including multi-family housing.
• 4 Village Districts -- These include special
districts for Pond Village (Barnstable), West
Barnstable, and Hyannis, each with very
different scopes and purposes.
• Marstons Mills -- This district allows for
mixed-use with an emphasis on retail
and office uses on ground floors and
residential above.
• Pond Village - This district is largely
meant to retain the residential and
rural nature of this village, protecting
freshwater pond quality, a portion of
Barnstable Harbor, and the historic and
scenic character of the area.
• West Barnstable -- This district is meant to
retain a small-scale mixed-use village
character, with single-family homes, small•
scale retail, and offices.
• Hyannis -- This district is a collection of
subdistricts, dividing Hyannis into zones
for business, medical, office, single-family
residential, multi-family residential,
harbor uses, transportation uses, etc.
Mixed-use is allowed in many of these
subdistricts, and there are special site
development and design standards that
apply only within this district.
• 4 Service & Distribution and Industrial
Districts -- These districts, as the names
suggest, allow for a range of commercial,
warehousing and distribution, light industrial,
and industrial uses.
• 13 Overlay Districts - Overlay districts are
designed to "overlay" as opposed to replace
the underlying zoning district. They can add
additional standards to a property and/or
override certain standards of the underlying
zoning district. They often account for sensi•
tive environmental areas that require extra
protection but can also regulate complex
uses that may require extra scrutiny or more
flexibility. The Town's overlay districts include:
• Adult Use
• Dock & Pier
• Floodplain
• Former Grade 5 School Planned Unit
Development
• Groundwater Protection
• Medical Marijuana
• Registered Recreational Marijuana
Cultivators, Research Facilities, and Testing
Laboratories Overlay District
• Medical Services (which includes a
mixed-use subzone)
• Recreational Shellfish Area and Shellfish
Relay Area Dock & Pier
• Resource Protection
• Senior Continuing Care Retirement
Community
• Shopping Center Redevelopment
• Ground-Mounted Solar Photovoltaic
Town staff reviews the Zoning Ordinance after the
adoption of each Local Comprehensive Plan, to
make sure that zoning is consistent with the plan.
For example, since the 2010 plan was adopted,
planning staff worked with local village represen•
tatives to review and revise all four village zoning
districts. Zoning is supplemented by several other
local land use regulations. These include:
• Growth Management Ordinance -In 2001
the Town adopted a Growth Management
Ordinance that established a limit on the
number of residential building permits that
may be issued in a single year. This ordinance
remains in effect.
70 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan
• Dis tr ic t of Critical Planning Concern (DCPC) •
A DCPC is a powerful planning tool that allows
a town or a group of towns to adopt special
rules and regulations that will protect natural,
coastal, scientific, cultural, architectural,
archaeological, historic, economic, or
recreational resources or values of regional,
statewide, or national significance. Barnstable
has identified four DCPCs.
• In February 2001, Barnstable nominated
the entire town as a DCPC to address the
rate of residential growth.
• A DCPC for the Pond Village area of
Barnstable Village was designated in
January 2006 (see the Pond Village District
above). Implementing regulations were
never adopted for this DCPC, but the Pond
Village District was locally adopted in
response to the DCPC designation.
• A DCPC for Centerville Village was
designated in 2009, with the purposes
of respecting its historic character
and supporting neighborhood-serving
mixed-use.
• A DCPC for Craigville Beach was
designated in 2011, with the purposes
of minimizing inconsistent development,
protecting scenic views and natural
resources, and preparing against flood
hazards and sea-level rise.
• Subdivision Rules and Regulations (SRR) •
The SRR provides regulations for dividing land
and laying out roadways.
• Wetland Regulations-The purpose of
these regulations is to protect wetlands
and related water resources, and their
values and functions.
• Board of Health Regulations -These regula•
tions are meant to preserve and maintain the
Town's public health standards and protect its
environmental resources.
Growth Incentive Zone
A Growth Incentive Zone (GIZ) is a planning
tool that allows communities to exempt
certain development activities from Cape Cod
Commission regulatory review. The intent is to
encourage residential and commercial devel•
opment and redevelopment in geographically
defined economic centers supported by commu•
nity amenities and appropriate infrastructure
and away from sensitive environmental areas.
First approved in 2006, the Downtown Hyannis
GIZ was reauthorized in 2018. Working in
concert with the Town of Barnstable, the
Commission developed comprehensive changes
to the GIZ framework to ensure regulations
promote and support a program of long-term
iterative investment in the place, in keeping with
both Regional Policy Plan and Town goals.
Land use, housing production, infrastructure,
social and demographic characteristics, and the
overall regulatory environment were reviewed
during the latest renewal. The GIZ looks at
Hyannis holistically, reviewing connections
between Downtown Hyannis and Route 132
to better understand how both areas and the
residential areas that surround them connect
and function. To achieve the goals of the GIZ,
the Town will implement planning initiatives,
develop decision support tools, make planned
infrastructure investments, and enact regulatory
changes to support continued public and private
investment there.
In order to ensure holistic development
throughout Barnstable, all significant develop•
ment outside the GIZ is reviewed by the Cape
Cod Commission.
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 71
Downtown H ya n nis Design &
Infrastructure Plan
The Town of Barnstable has a longstanding
effort to revitalize downtown Hyannis. The
area's unique roots as a bustling Main Street,
active harbor, and maritime village make
downtown Hyannis an ideal place to promote
redevelopment. In July 2005, new zoning
(described above) was passed to encourage a
more livable, mixed-use environment downtown
while also balancing human and natural systems.
The Downtown Hyannis Design & Infrastructure
Plan is an extension of that zoning. It establishes
building and site design standards for all devel•
opment within the Downtown Hyannis Zoning
Districts (with the exception of single-family
residences) and creates a set of guidelines to
anticipate and direct expected growth.
The Plan is a reference manual for developers,
designers, town boards, and officials to guide
improvements to private properties and public
infrastructure in downtown Hyannis. It includes
development guidelines for architecture and site
design, procedures for establishing vehicle trip
generation, suggested redevelopment strategies
to mitigate development impacts, and more.
All development within the Downtown Hyannis
Zoning Districts shall comply with the design
guidelines, recommended development strate•
gies, and other recommendations of the Plan.
Resource Protection Overlay District (RPOD) The
purposes of the RPOD include protecting
groundwater quality, reducing nitrogen contam•
ination, and reducing development potential to
be more in line with infrastructure capacity. The
boundaries of the RPOD include the recharge
areas to the Centerville River, Popponessett and
Shoestring Bays, and the Three Bays area of
Cotuit and Osterville, together with areas depen•
dent upon private well water supplies. The only
regulation related to the RPOD is that minimum
lot area is 87,120 square feet (approximately
two acres) regardless of the underlying zoning.
Current land use planning and water protection
practices, however, suggest that there are many
better ways to protect groundwater, and that
two-acre zoning can even lead to unintended
harms due to sprawl, extensive lawns, fertilizer
use, etc. The RPOD may be reevaluated to make
sure it results in outcomes more in line with its
stated purposes.
Chapter 168 Regulatory Agreement Districts A
Regulatory Agreement is a contract entered into
between a property owner who wants to
develop or redevelop their property, and the
Town and/or the Cape Cod Commission, the
primary purpose of which is to negotiate and
establish the development regulations and
conditions that will apply to the property during
the term of the agreement.
This is a flexible tool that can allow development
in a way that the current zoning regulations
would prohibit and can streamline the permit•
ting process. In return, the developer agrees to
provide certain benefits that contribute to the
Town, such as improving Town infrastructure,
land preservation, community or recreational
facilities, affordable housing, or other benefit
that serves the development and the Town. A
Regulatory Agreement requires approval of both
the Planning Board and the Town Council.
Barnstable has three Regulatory Agreement
Districts. The primary district encompasses
downtown Hyannis from the Airport Rotary and
lyannough Road to the north to just south of South
Street. Two much smaller districts are located
along lyannough Road at Airport Road and at South
Main Street at Craigsville Beach Road.
72 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan
Water Supply
Barnstable's water supply comes from the Cape
Cod Aquifer, the underground layer of porous
soil through which fresh water can flow. A Sole
Source Aquifer (SSA) provides at least half of
the drinking water for the area above it, but on
Cape Cod, the SSA is truly singular: all of the
Cape's drinking water comes from the same
source.35 The aquifer is unconfined, which
means the area's sandy soils allow water to
filter through the ground and directly into the
aquifer. Water flows well through sand, which
helps the groundwater system to be productive,
but the quick flow also means that the aquifer
A Soul Source Aquifer (SSA)
provides at least half of the
drinking water for the area above
it, but on Cape Cod, the SSA is
truly singular: all of the Cape's
drinking water comes from the
same source.
guarantee that any one of these sites will reach
the projected demand gap of 2.16 million gallons
is vulnerable to contamination because there is per day.37 The sites' test wells had flow rates of
less time and opportunity for natural filtration.
To address concern for the quality and supply
of drinking water in the municipal water system
serving the Hyannis area, the Town contracted
with an engineering consultant Weston and
Sampson in 2019 to evaluate alternative water
supply resources resulting in the New Sources
Alternatives Evaluation Report from 2019. This
report recommended installing treatment on
existing wells and to construct additional, new
water supply wells. The initial test well drilling
report projected deficits close to 1.87 million
gallons per day (MGD) in 2020, which are
projected to increase to 3.32 MGD in 2040.36
These deficits were based on DEP required
redundancy and conservative growth estimates.
After numerous test wells and short-term
pump tests, their recommendations include
the development of one of three potential well
sites. Cost estimates for these sites are $25.4,
$19.6, and $22.2 million respectively, without a
500 through 5,000 gallons per minute at a well
depth of 85 to 100 feet.38
While Barnstable is connected by a single water
supply source (sole source aquifer), the town
is divided into five independently governed
districts for the provision of emergency services
known as fire districts. Today, three of the fire
districts (Barnstable, Cotuit, and C.O.M.M.)
provide public drinking water. The Water Supply
Division of the Barnstable Department of Public
Works is an enterprise-account funded municipal
entity and manages the assets of the former
Barnstable Water Company (Town-acquired
in 2005) and serves the majority of Hyannis's
residents and businesses. The rate payers of the
water system have been carrying the majority
of the cost of the capital improvements through
substantial rate increases over the years. The
West Barnstable District is unique in that its resi•
dents primarily use private wells for water provi•
sion, rather than village services. Voters in each
35 "Learn More: Drinking Water on Cape Cod." Cape Cod Groundwater Guardians. Accessed October 2022.
36 Weston & Sampson Engineers. Source Exploration Final Report. Prepared for the Town of Barnstable. April 2021.
37 Ibid.
38 Hans Keijser, Water Supply Division Supervisor
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 73
and emerging contaminants, in addition to
improving existing stormwater management and
enhancing groundwater protections.
Additional emerging issues like population
growth and climate change with more extreme
weather will need proper attention through the
planning process.
Im age caption here.
fire district elect three members to a Prudential
Committee, which oversees the budgets for fire
and emergency services, and a Board of Water
Commissioners (except in Hyannis). The district
breakdown increases citizens' ability to dictate
the services they desire from their division (Fire
Chiefs Interview September 9, 2022).3°
Across communities on Cape Cod and
throughout Barnstable, growing concerns about
water pollution factor into discussion of current
and future water supply as the region struggles
with increased chemical detection, including
polyfluoroalkyl and perfluoroalkyl substances
(PFAS) such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)
and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), which
are growing concerns throughout the
Commonwealth and the nation. All three poten•
tial sites for new water supply sources must
include wells and water treatment to ensure
current and future quality. The governor's
office recognized the swift response to PFAS in
the water supply by local water departments
through grant funding and awarded the
Barnstable and C.O.M.M. water departments a
total of $350,000 for initial remediation efforts.
Protecting Barnstable's potable water requires
continued action and support dealing with PFAS
Starting in 2015 the Town of Barnstable has
made a substantial effort to install carbon filtra•
tion systems on all the Town's municipal wells
and was able to comply with decreasing federal
and state PFAS standards, winning a DEP award
in 2018. In 2020 the Maher Wells groundwater
filtration plant was constructed with state•
of-the-art technology that removes PFAS, 1,4
dioxane, iron and manganese from groundwater
and provides the Town with high quality drinking
water in accordance with all state and federal
drinking water requirements.
Wastewater Management
Overview
Protecting water quality is vital to the health
and future of Barnstable and the region, and
wastewater management plays a critical role.
Infrastructure to handle and treat wastewater
(household, commercial, and industrial wastes)
can protect embayments and groundwater for
the health of the community and natural environ•
ment. Barnstable collaborates with the Cape Cod
Commission on wastewater mitigation strategies
highlighted in the Cape Cod Area-Wide Water
Quality Management Plan (also known at the
208 Plan), and Cape-wide cooperation is critical
due to the sole source aquifer. The 208 Plan was
certified by the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency in September 2015. The Town followed
39 Chief Francis M. Pulsifer, Organizational Analysis - 2019, Barnstable Fire Department, 2019, p3-4.
74 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan
Figure 2.1. Sources of Nitrogen on Cape Cod
Total Nitrogen Sources by Percentage Controllable Nitrogen Sources by Percentage
65%
Septic
0.3%
· r s
3%
Natural Surfaces
14%
Water Body
Surface Area
.- 60/o Stormwater
7%, Fertilizers
0.4% Landfill
4% Wastewater
Treatment Facility
0.3%
Farm Animal Loads
78%
Septic
9% Fertilizers
0.5% Landfill
5%
Wastewater
Treatment
Facility
Source: Barnstable CWMP
the Commission's planning by advancing waste•
w ater management mechanisms by completi ng
a municipal Comprehensive W astewater
M an agement Plan {CWM P) in January 2020. The
CW M P was cer tified by the Secretary of Energy
and Environment al Aff airs through the M EPA
process on Decemb er 20, 2020.
The Water Pollutio n Co ntrol Program {W PCP)
under Barnsta ble's Dep artment of Public
Works {DPW) is an e nterpris e-account funded
and manages the To wn's wastewa ter and
sewer infrastructure including a secondary
was tew ater treatment p lant, 30 sewa ge pum p
statio ns, and 55 miles of sewer co llectio n
lines, as w ell as a pretr eatment program
for industrial wastew ater and laboratory
for wastew at er testing. The CW M P calls for
expanding the Tow n's sewer co llection system
by approxim ately 190 miles of sewer lines
over the next 20 to 30 years. The plan outlines
thr ee phases of ten years each "to address ...
nutrient removal, pond protection, drinking
water prot ection, economic developm ent, and
other wastew ater concerns."" Dur ing Phase
I, the Town is co ncentrating on the eastern
Route 28 sewer expansion and additional sew er
projec ts that reduce co ntaminants from septic
system s.41 F igure 2.1 show s that most of the
nitrogen co ntaminati on across C ape Cod co mes
from septic systems, which are co ntrollable
sources. The DPW is providing ins tructio ns and
a sewer connection form to property owners
along the Phase I expansion route as co nstruc•
tion gets underway.
The United States Environmental Protection
Agency {EPA) establishes total maximum daily
loads {TMDL) to limit daily contam inants in a
wat ershed to levels compliant wit h the U.S.
Clean Wat er Act. TM DLs protect Popponesset
Bay, the Three Bay System, the Centerville
River Sys tem, Halls Creek, and Le wis Bay. While
the Town is mo nitor ing w ater quality for their
40 CWMP 2020,5-1.
41 "Route 28 East Sewer Expansion Project Public Information Session August 15, 2022." Barnstable Water Resources. August 3,
2022, accessed October 2022.
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 75
working harbor, Barnstable Harb or and Rushy
Marsh do not require a total maximum daily
load thr eshold as further elaborated within their
res pected Massachusetts Estuaries Project (MEP)
reports. The 2017 draft MEP tech n ical report for
the Barn stable Harbor system indicates that the
system is n ot severely overloaded w ith respect
to nitro gen and the majority of s ub-embaym e nts
have assim ilative capacity to accep t mor e
nitrogen. The one exception is the M illway
sub-embay m ent which the modeling i ndicate s is
overloaded with respect to nitrogen and req uires
a 65% reduction in nitrogen septic lo ad. The
2006 MEP report s ta tes that Rushy Marsh Pond
presently has a relatively low nitrogen load fr om
its w ate rshed, due to its small size and pro por•
tionally large undeveloped areas. However, it
should be noted that while Rushy Marsh Pond has
a relatively low nitrogen loa d, it is still significantly
impaired by nitrogen enrichment.42
Septic systems are the lar ges t source of nitrogen
by perce ntage across Cape Cod and the m ost
addressable source. Barnstable's eff orts to
expand public sewer con nec tions, along with
other best practic es, can decrease the amount of
nitrogen leac hing into the groundwater.
The CWMP process identified traditional and
non-traditi onal techniqu es to manage pollutants'
total maximum daily loa ds (TMDLs) and keep
contaminants below harmful threshold s through
a w ater shed-specific approach. Barn stable
manages the quality of its watersheds through
further co llab oration with the EPA and the
Massachusetts D epar tm ent of Env iro nm ental
Protecti on (DEP). W astewater across Barn stable
im pacts eight watershe ds, and three enti rely
with in its borders, including:
• Centerville River System W atershed
• Halls Creek W atershed
• Rushy Marsh Watershed
• P opponess et Bay Watershed
• Three Bays System Water shed
• Lewis Bay W atershed
• Barn stable Har bor Watershed
• Scorton Cr eek W atersh ed
Recent initiatives to lower nitrogen load include
the Town expanding sew er lines in co ordination
with the Vineyard Wind project installing
offshore cables under public roadways.43
Sewer extension projects include the R o ute
28 East, Attucks Lane, Phin ney's Lane, L ong
Pond, Stra wberry Hill, Old Yarm outh Road, and
Mer chant Way sew er expa ns ions. R ecent waste•
water system failures in other co mmun ities on
Cape Cod also reoriented comm unity co nc erns
about the location of sew er pumping s tations
rela tive to sea level rise and type of operating
system. The De partment of Pu b lic W o rks iden•
tified the conversion of vacuum systems to low
pressure pump systems or gr avity sew er syste ms
in locations less prone to flooding during sea
le vel rise as the next step to mainta in existing
syste ms and expand sewer s er vice.
N on-profit organ izati ons like Barnstable Clean
Water Co aliti on (BCWC) partnered with th e
Environmental Protec tion Agency to employ
in novative wastewater soluti ons. N on-traditional
solu tions to mitigate excessive nutrients include
in novative/alternative septic syste ms, dre dging,
and bog restorati on. Eight out of every ten
septic system s across the Cape Cod region have
trad itional septic systems that treat effl u ent while
42 Griffin Beaudoin, Town Engineer, DPW.
43 "Barnstable, Massachusetts." Vineyard Wind. Accessed October 2022.
76 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan
allowing n itrogen to lea ch into the ground water.44
New innovative/alternative {I/A) systems include a
denitrification chamber between septic tanks and
leaching that converts nitrates to nitrogen gas for
a cleaner effluent in the leaching process. Projects
like the Shubael Pond Project are installing
clusters of I/A systems to demonstrate nitrogen
reduction impacts and adoption potential across
municipalities instead of sewering.45
Another initiative facilitated by non-profits
and the Town of Barnstable is the three-phase
dredging project in the Cotuit Cut between
Dead Neck and Sampson's Island. Widening
this waterway aimed to improve navigation,
safety, and water quality through enhanced tidal
flushing and dilution of nutrients in the water
body.46
The restoration of bogs in the Village
of Marstons Mills also aims to use decrease
nutrients in Barnstable ground water, but
instead using the denitrification properties of
cranberry plants.47 Rather than carrying excess
nitrogen into the Three Bays, redirected water
from the Marstons Mills River and restructured
stream channels will naturally filter out nutrients
through the cranberry plants lifecycle.
Additional efforts by the Town of Barnstable to
reduce nitrogen from point source contamina•
tion include a geographic information systems
{GIS) tool that analyzes the water conditions on
a lot-by-lot basis. The tool evaluates sanitary
conditions related to public health concerns but
can also be used by the DPW and other munic•
ipal departments in the case of water supply
protections, nutrient enrichment concerns,
aesthetic issues, and in economic development
considerations.48 Multiple potential sources
ranging from septic systems to landfills and
stormwater will continually need creative tools
to solve.
Stormwater Management
Overview
The Town of Barnstable considers stormwater
management an essential component of its
Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan
{CWMP) due to stormwater's potential impact
on the bays, watersheds, and groundwater.
Stormwater includes all precipitation and
snowmelt that runs off surfaces such as roofs,
pavement, and even lawns instead of absorbing
into soil and natural groundcover. This runoff
picks up sediment, bacteria, fertilizers, oils,
pesticides, and other harmful chemicals from
sources including but not limited to pet and
wildlife waste and often carries them directly
into existing drainage infrastructure or surface
waters. Untreated stormwater can lead to water
quality, ecosystem, and public health degra•
dation. Stormwater that is infiltrated without
proper pretreatment can also threaten ground•
water. Groundwater quality is a regional concern
since Cape Cod has a sole source aquifer. In
44 "I/A Septic Systems," Barnstable Clean Water Coalition, accessed March 2, 2023,
htt ps ://be I ea nwate r. o rg/what-we-do/mitigate/innovative-alte rnative-septi c-syste ms/
45 "The Shubael Pond Project," Barnstable Clean Water Coalition, accessed March 2, 2023,
htt ps ://be I ea nwate r. o rg/what-we-do/mitigate/sh u ba el-pond-project/
46 Dredging Dead Neck Sampson's Island, Barnstable Clean Water Coalition, accessed March 2, 2023,
https://bcl eanwater.org/what-we-do/m itigate/dredging/
47 Marstons Mills Cranberry Bog Restoration Project, Barnstable Clean Water Coalition, accessed March 2, 2023,
htt ps ://be I ea nwate r. o rg/w hat-we-do/mitigate/ mm-cran berry-bog-restoration/
48 Barnstable Department of Public Works. Comprehensive Wastewater Management, FY2022 Annual Report.
Prepared for the Town of Barnstable. August 2022.
Commented [KM2]: The paragraph about alternatives
facilitated by non-profits needs to be divided into separate
paragraphs as the cranberry bog restoration is quite different
than inlet dredging. More detail could be included in each
description as to the projected nutrient removal and other
benefits.
-Lindsey
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 77
addition to water quality issues, stormwater
qu antity (flood ing) is an increasing co nc ern
due to our changing cl im ate. More fre quent
and lar ger storms are bringing more rain, wind,
and waves that along w ith rising sea levels are
threatening i nfrastruc ture, particularl y in coastal
areas such as Barnsta ble. Cape Cod organizations
like the Association to Preser ve Cape Cod
(APCC), Mass Bays Progr am, Barnstable C ounty
Coastal Resources Comm ittee, and the Cape
Cod Comm ission su ppor t educational program s,
new stor mwater man agement systems, and
the maintenance of existing system s along sid e
mun icipal eff orts.
Green Stormwater Infrastructure
Storm water management is an ongoing effort in
Barnstable through the assessment and priori•
tization of sites to im prove operation and main•
tenance (0 &M) of existing systems and install
new green storm water infrastructure (GSI). GSI
uses natural processes to manage storm water
quality and qu antity, providing more resiliency
to climate change im pac ts. GSI in cl ud es a
variety of prac tices to reduce and treat runoff
that may range from installing rain gardens,
poro us pavement, and constructed w et lands,
to reducing im per vious cover and installing
MS4 Permit
The Barn stable (CWMP) identifi e s meeting the
re quirements of the national pollutant
discharge elim ination system (NPDES) Phase II
2016 Mas sach usetts Mu nicipal Separate Stor m
Sew e r System (MS4) General Permit as a priority
in the recommended 30-year im ple mentation
plan. An M S4 permit from the EPA a ut horizes
a co m m unity to discharge stormwater from its
MS4 into waterways in accordance w ith regu•
lations and co nditions to protec t water quality.
An MS4 permit is required for comm uniti es w ith
urbanized areas as i dentified with census data.
Figure 2.2 shows that a majority of Barnstable
is designated as an urbanize d area. As such,
Barnstable has applied for and received an MS4
permit for discharging stor mwater from its 207
outfalls into waterbodies across several villages
and watershe ds as i dentified in Table 2.3.49 The
Town is ac tively working on regula tion s to assure
future stormwater runoff meets and exceeds
these standards.
Table 2.3. MS4 Stormwater
Outfall Locations
Identified
Stormwater Outfalls Watershed Location
cistern s. R esearch has sh own that GSI does a
better job of treating and reducing stor mwater
than traditi onal "gray" stormwater infrastr uc ture
and also provides oth er be nefits such as sha d e,
habitat, and beautificatio n. Recent eff orts in the
Three Bays Water shed displayed a co llaborative
effort between the Town of Barnstable DPW,
APCC, private co nsultant Hor sley W itt en Group
and various o the r non-profit environm ental
advocacy organizations, to install
and maintain a variety of GSI system s.
59 Stormwater Outfalls
15 Stormwater Outfalls
40 Stormwater Outfalls
36 Stormwater Outfalls
1 Stormwater Outfall
54 Stormwater Outfalls
Source: Barnstable CWMP
Lewis Bay Watershed
Halls Creek Watershed
Centerville Watershed
Three Bays Watershed
Popponesset Bay
Watershed
Barnstable Harbor
Watershed
49 Barnstable Department of Public Works. Comprehensive Wastewater Management, FY2022 Annual Report.
Prepared for the Town of Barnstable. August 2022.
78 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan
. '
Figure 2.2. Town of B arnstable NPDES Phase II Stormwater Program Regulated MS4 Areas
6 2010 NA WT EQ $? AND & 2013 Microso ft Ccrporation
NPDES Phase II Stormvwater Program
Automatically Designated MS4 Areas
Barnstable Town MA
Regulated Area:
Town Population: 45121
Regulated Population: 435676
'Pcpu axions stimad from 21 €cnsus;
4 FEM I7TM
\
' -
7 1 2 3 4 5
, L A, ± +'
2 5
7/«letre
■
L_rbarlze 4re= Toye Eu dares
.5 2en55 /200,2210:
Ese mp 215 &II(softrpcat on 3nd I da.3 Su.plrs
JF±, +jn 1 GI5 C+ I+1 Map #e4,9
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 79
Futur e upgra d es to the stor m sewer sy stem were
ap propriated $750,000 annually w ith the
adopti on of the CWM P; th is includes t he identi•
fication and impro ve ments of failed catch ba sins,
leach in g struc ture replacements, and additional
best ma nageme nt prac ti ces.
Existin g GSI pro jec ts, in cl ud ing the Three Bay s
Stormwat e r proj ect, w ill continue as Barn stable
prioritizes the mitigation of n u trient s, bacteria,
and se dimen t in stormw ater runoff. Barn stable
will also co ntin u e co llabor ati on w ith its
neighboring co mm uniti es to a ddress stor mwater
issues on a waters hed sca le. R egio nal e ff orts are
vital to the Cape Cod co m m un ity as sea level
rises on an intern ational scale and more inten•
sive wea th er patterns further im pact as pe cts o f
the bu ilt enviro nment.
Transportation Network
Overview
Barnstable has facilities for many modes
of transportation for residents and visitors,
but mobility throughout the town is largely
car-centric. Automobile traffic may navigate
Barnstable by three east to west roadways:
the transcontinental U.S. Route 6, Barnstable's
Main Street Route 6A (also known as Old King's
Highway), or state Route 28 along the southern
harbor. These highways comprise 37 miles under
state jurisdiction, followed by 354 miles under
Barnstable's jurisdiction, and 214 miles of private
main lateral roads in Barnstable include different
types of arterials with multiple lanes and varying
speeds connecting individuals to local roadways.
Low-Lying Roads
Particular consideration may be applied to
roads which were defined within the Cape Cod
Commission's Low Lying Roads Project through
which a vulnerability assessment of roadway
segments, bridges, and culverts was conducted
to identify priority roadway networks impacted
by flooding from effects of sea level rise, storm
surge and erosion. The top five roads identified
within Barnstable included Ocean Street,
Pleasant Street, Bridge Street (Osterville and
Little Island), West Bay Road and Craigville Beach
Road.52 Projections ten and forty years in the
future show temporary flooding of low-elevation
roads increasing in occurrence and severity. The
Town is pragmatic in their assessment of sea
level rise and intense weather patterns; they are
actively looking for adaptations to divert water
and keep infrastructure operational.
Table 2.4. Functional Classification of
Cape Cod Roadways
Barnstable
Roadway Functional Classification
Route 6 Urban Extension of Rural Principal Arterial
roads.51 While road jurisdiction determines the
institution in charge of maintenance and
upkeep, road function classification determines
design standards that impact mobility and land
Route 6A, Old
King's Highway
Route 28
Urban Minor Arterial
Urban Extension of Rural
Minor Arterial
access depending on classification type. The Source: Cape Cod Commission, Regional Policy Plan, 2002.
50 Ibid.
51 US Federal Highway Administration. Road Function Classifications. November 2000.
52 Cape Cod Commission. 2020 Regional Transportation Plan. Technical Appendix G: Congestion Management Plan. July 15, 2019.
80 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan
A
Figure 2.3. Functional Roadway Classifica tions
Town of Barnstable
Roadway by Jurisdiction
SANDWICH
I 4t
BARRETT
I /--
YARMO UTH
ET7TT'7 IZIH'YT
City or Town accepted road 353.64
County Institutional 0.45
Massachusetts Department of Transportation 30.48
Unaccepted by city or towns 67.99
N 0 1 2
LMiles
Source: Town of Barnstable, U.S. Census Bureau, MassGIS, and MassDOT.
'
D Town of Barnstable
Jurisdiction
Massachusetts
Department of
Transportation
City or Town accepted
road
- County Institutional
Unaccepted by city or
town
Congestion & Safety
Barnstable's tr ansportation and traffic trends
are distinct due to the town's position as b oth
a desti nati on and thro ughway. S easonal travel
trends through the mid-cape region increased
between 2008 and 2018, with 2.70% total gro w th
over the ten-year period, 0.26% annual gro w th,
and a one-year growth rate of 1.26% from
2017-2018.53 Mobile counts thro ug h the Cape
Cod Comm iss ion s how Ba rnstable co ns istently
supports som e of the high est volume-to-capacity
thresholds thro ughout Cape Cod year-round.
Seasonal v ariability recorded on Rout e 28 by
monthly remote counts shows traffic vo lu mes are
re latively stable thro ugho ut the year. Volumes for
vehicles ent er ing at the intersection of Route 28
and Lum bert Mill R oad during the w inter mon ths
drop as low as 20,000 while the peak sum mer
months climb gradually to 25,000.
Int ens e tr avel de nsities span Barnstable by Route
6, Route 6 A, R out e 132, Route 149, and Rout e
28 year -ro und. In the case of intense co ngesti o n,
local co nnec tor roads under munic ipal or privat e
53 Cape Cod Commission.2020 Regional Transportation Plan. Technical Appendix G: Congestion Management Plan. July 15, 2019.
54 Ibid.
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 81
jur isd icti on s tak e on a d d iti on a l wear and te ar.
Town infr astruc tu re be ars a dispro p ortion ate
im pact from a ut om o b ile tra ve lers and addition a l
hazards w ith a high volume o f travelers. S ev e n
of th e top ten crash lo c ation s in th e region
betw ee n 2012 and 2016 were in B arn sta b le on
R out e 28, w ith a to t al of 552 collisions occu r ring
at tho s e seven inte rs ecti o ns .55 Intersection and
arterial maintenance as a result of increased
throughput and crashes bear an impact on
Barnstable resident's local travel and potentially
the appropriation of their tax funds.
The Barnstable Department of Public Works
highway division currently maintains 218.19
miles of public roads, seventy-four parking lots
across town, six bridges, and 4,000 drainage
systems through methods like street sweeping,
grading gravel roads, mowing and brush removal
on road shoulders, and litter control.56 Safety
infrastructure, including 6,332 guardrails, and
signage, is also managed by DPW. When looking
Image caption here.
Table 2.5. DPW Capital Improvements,
FV2023 to FV2025.
FY2023 FY2024 FY2025
Pedestrian 4,395,000 2,575,000 1,090,000 Infrastructure
Maintenance 3,750,000 3,850,000 3,950,000
Improvements 2,478,500 4,537,425 9,2 05,296
Source: Town of Barnstable FY2021-FY2025 Capital
Improvements Plan.57
ahead at future capital improvements, this
municipal infrastructure maintenance will cost
more than $11.5 million over the next three
years, while improvements are projected to
amount to $16 million and pedestrian infrastruc•
ture $8 million.
Barnstable has a history of permitting private
roadways to the extent that almost 50 percent
of all roadways or 200 miles in Barnstable
are private. DPW highway division facilitates
emergency repairs, including drainage, through
a petition process in which fifty-one percent of
abutters petition for the betterment of a road
open to the public for more than five years.
The betterment process includes a deposit by
abutters to cover the initial inspection and cost
estimates compiled by the municipal engineer.58
Private roadway maintenance as of the fiscal
year 2023 is projected to cost $975,000 and
$375,000 in the fiscal year 2024. This privatiza•
tion trend challenges long-term infrastructural
upkeep and consistent emergency response
throughout town.
55 Cape Cod Commission. 2020 Regional Transportation Plan. Technical Appendix G: Congestion Management Plan. July 15, 2019.
56 "Town Roads," Town of Barnstable, accessed March 2, 2023, https://town.barnstable.ma.us/Departments/Highway/pageview.
asp ?fi le=Progra ms%5CTown-Roads. htm l&title=Town%20Roads&exp=Progra ms
57 "FY 2021 Capital Budget and FY 2021- FY 2025 Capital Improvements Plan," accessed March 2, 2023, https://town.barnstable.
ma. us/Departments/Fina nce/Budget_l nformation/FY21-Ca pita 1-1 m provements-PI an. pdf
58 Town of Barnstable Zoning Bylaw: Article Ill "Temporary Repairs on Private Ways"
82 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan
Transit
Individuals looking for access thro ughout
Barnstable and the region without automobiles
can turn to public transportation as an alterna•
tive. The Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority
Table 2.6. Cape Cod Regional Transit
Authority Fixe d Routes
Route Name Connection Route
HTC to Woods Route 28 &
(CCRTA) and Barnstable Council on Aging fulfill
the m obility needs of many individuals. CCRTA
service includes six full-time and seasonal
Sea line
H20 Hyan nis
Hole Woods Hole Rd.
Hy ann is to Rout e 28 &
Or leans Center Rout e 39
bus ro utes, Dial-a-ride services, Sm art D AR T
co nnector, and seasona l train service. Bus
passen gers may also elec t to bring a standard
two-wheel bicycle on fixed route fr ontal bike
racks. Year-round bus service routes and co nnec •
HTC to Barnsta ble Route 132 & Barn stable Villager Rout e 6A C ourthouse
H yannis L ocal Shop ping
Crosstow n in Hy annis
Hy ann is to Rout e 28 &
tivity are included in Table 2.6. Sa ndwich Line
San dw ich Route 130
Alternative CCRTA services include DAR T, a
door-to-door ride by appointment service for
all residents and visitors seven days a week for
a fixed fare.59 Smart DART is a new servic e that
operates like Uber and Lyft; riders may request
fixed fare, private rides with free transfers to
CCRTA bus routes between 7:30 am and 6:30 pm
Monday through Friday. Additional ADA
Paratra nsit service aims to close any accessibility
gaps in service thro ugh their door -to-door
shar ed-ride service for those unable to use fixed
bus ro utes.61
Elderly individua ls in the comm unit y may choose
to use CCRTA services to nav igat e medical
appointments, banking, or grocery shopping
throu gh the Council on Aging's Silver Express .62
Fares on the Silver Express are suggested dona•
ti ons, and a Title IIIB grant subsidizes the service,
allowing us ers to ride who would otherw ise be
Source: Cape Cod Regional Tra nsit Authority
unable to pay. CCRTA off ers additional transpor•
tation for appointme nts at all major Boston-area
Hospitals by reservation Monday through
Thursday from the Barn stable co m muter lot on
Route 132.63 Fixed bus ro utes run along the main
roads laterally thro ugh Barn stable, but still addi•
tional services are necessary to meet the mor e
complex needs of the suburban villages. Routes
like the Sealine, Sandwic h line, and Barn stable
line serve arterial roads including Route 28
and Route 132, but leave the village of West
Barnstable, Barnstable, and Cotuit underserved
with few regular bus stops aside from those
connecting Cape Cod Community College.
59 Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority: "Overview, DART: Dial-A-Ride Transportation." Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority.
Accessed October 2022
60 Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority: "Smart DART." Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority. Accessed October 2022
61 Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority: "ADA Paratransit, Door-To-Door Service." Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority.
Accessed October 2022
62 "Transportation." Barnstable Council on Aging. Accessed October 2022.
63 Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority: "Boston Hospital, The Cape to Boston Hospitals." Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority.
Accessed October 2022
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 83
traditional services to Nant ucket from Hyan nis
H ar bor w ith the op portunity to reserve passage
for vehicles. Hy-lin e Cruises offer high-s peed
passenger tr ips with year-round passage to
Nantucket, seas o nal travel to Oak B luffs on
Martha's Vineyard betw een May and October,
and recr eational ch arter boats. Still, it poses
c ha llen ges to Hyannis congestion and develop•
ment due to the prioritization of thro ugh traffic
and parking near Main Street Hyann is.
Im age caption here.
Alternative Transportation & Modes
(Trains, Ferries, Airport)
Alternative, private transpor tation based
in Barnstable includes a variety of op tions.
The Plymouth and Brock ton bus line and
Peter Plan bus line co nnects individua ls in
Barn stable through services ou t of the Hyannis
Trans portation Center and public Park & Ride
lots and Boston, with stops at So uth Station and
Logan Airport.64 Seasona l Cape-Flyer rail service
allo ws visitors from Boston and southeas tern
Massachusetts to avoid automobile congesti on
on weekends betw een Memorial Day and Labor
Day. Service extends as far nor th as S outh Station
in Boston and as w est as Middleboro ugh, offering
free w ireless interne t and bicycle passage.65
Ind iv iduals may also leave Hyannis bound for
Nantucke t and Martha 's Vineyard on Stea m ship
Authority ferries and Hy-line Cr uises. As the
dominant mode of travel to the islands, the
Steamship Aut hority offe rs both high-speed and
Travelers also elec t to trav el through the Cape
Cod Gateway A irpor t, previously known as
the Barnstable Municipal Airport. It is one
of two publicly owned active airfields in the
Town of Barnstable. Home to Cape Air and
So uthe rn Airways Express, there are da ily
flights to Boston, New York , N antucket, and
Martha's Vineyard during the summ er season.
Additi onal destinations are accessible through
the Cape Cod Gateway Airport throu gh p rivate
partner sh ips with JetB lue and other affi liated
airlin es.66 Recent trends show that des pite the
express serv ice offered betw een Cape C od
and Nantucket, the accessibility, fr equency, and
low er price point of regular ferry travel is
difficult competition.67 Des pite the re cuperati on
of airlines in the late stages of the Coronav ir us
pandem ic, cor por ate av iation includ ing private
flights and the shipment of goods is more
viable than co mm erc ial flights in and out of the
Barnstable co mm un ity.68 Individuals seeking a
getaway to the Cape have mu ltiple options to
get to Barnstable, but the challenge of navigating
the area w ithout a car enco urages many to drive
to the region.
64 "Plymouth and Brockton Daily Bus Routes." Plymouth & Brockton. Accessed October 2022.
65 Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority: "CapeFLYER Schedules & Services." Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority. Accessed October
2022. https://ca pecod rta .org/sched ules-services/capeflyer /
66 "About the Airport." Cape Cod Gateway Airport. Accessed October 2022. https://flyhya.com/airport-info/about-the-airport/
67 Transportation: Katie Servis, Airport Manager, Cape Cod Gateway Airport
68 Ibid.
84 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan
Bicycle & Pedestrian Infrastructure As
of January 2022, the Massachusetts Department
of Transportation (MassDOT) named the Town of
Barnstable a Complete Streets community.
Barnstable sought the Complete Streets
designation to improve the experience of
motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists. The Town
may obtain up to $500,000 in MassDOT funding
assistance to complete multi-modal projects that
improve safety and mobility. Current Complete
Streets initiatives focus on extending and
improving the 101.7 miles of sidewalk across the
seven villages to ensure ADA compliance and
pedestrian safety.69
Barnstable has limited protected infrastructure
for cyclists. There are 11 miles of existing
pathways and 0.7 miles of existing, on-street
bicycle lanes with consideration of an additional
bike lanes suggested through Complete Streets
Prioritization Plan."
Efforts are currently being coordinated to
extend the Cape Cod Rail Trail (CCRT) through
the Town of Barnstable to the Sandwich town
line. The CCRT will be achieved through two
phases, Phase 3 and Phase 4, as shown on Figure
2.4A and Figure 2.4B. Phase 3 is anticipated to
commence construction in Spring 2025 2024
and will extend from the current trail in
Yarmouth from Old Town House Road to Mary
Dunn Road in Barnstable. The trail will
compose a distance
of approximately 4 miles to be installed within
the Hyannis Ponds Wildlife Management Area.
The Town is currently seeking grant funds to
design Phase 4 which will extend the trail from
Mary Dunn Road to the Sandwich Town
line Route 132. Based on an engineering study
and public input, the Phase
4 trail route is proposed to follow the path
shown on Figure 4.4B to compose a distance of
approximately 10 miles.71
A lack of protected bicycle infrastructure often
deters less experienced cyclists. West Barnstable
and Barnstable village attract recreational riders
with various mountain biking trails and routes
across Cape Cod, but the trails do not facilitate
connections throughout town or welcome casual
riders. Between 2010 and 2020, Barnstable
saw a total of 6,783 vehicle crashes, with 281
bike related collisions and 278 involving pedes•
trians. While these represent relatively few
collisions, cyclist infrastructure and education
initiatives on sharing the road can increase
safety throughout the community.
Image caption here.
69 Cape Cod Commission: "Town of Barnstable, Local Comprehensive Plan: Map & Data Viewer." Cape Cod Commission. ArcGlS
Web App Viewer. Accessed October 2022.
70 Cape Cod Commission: "Town of Barnstable, Local Comprehensive Plan: Map & Data Viewer", Cape Cod Commission. ArcGlS
Web App Viewer. Accessed October 2022.
71 "Cape Cod Rail Trail." Town of Barnstable, Department of Public Works. Accessed June 2023.
72 Massachusetts Department of Transportation. "Operations Dashboard, Statewide Crashes by Severity and Year."
Accessed October 2022.
Commented [KM3]: Top paragraph right side: This
description of the Phases does not match the information on
the DPW website. Phase 3 will start in the Spring of 2025;
Phase 4 is in three sections that extend to the Sandwich town
line.
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 85
t
t
Figure 2.4.ACape Cod Rail Trail Phase 3 Barnstable Extension
- New Alignment
eistng Path Improvements
[l ear@rs Lot
Figure 1 - Sit e Location Map
Figure 2.4.ACape Cod Rail Trail Phase 3 Barnstable Extension
- New Alignment
Existing Path Improvements
[l Paotot Figure 2 - Aerial Map
86 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan
Public Services & U tilities
Overview
Within the Town of Barnstable, public services
and utilities are provided for people who live
and work in the Town as well as its many visitors.
Those services include schools, libraries, police,
and solid waste disposal and the utilities include
household utilities such as electricity, natural
gas, heating oil, propane, telecommunication,
and internet. Residents have a variety of choices
including an increasing number of environmen•
tally friendly options.
Table 2.7. Barnstable Public Schools
School Grades Location
Barnstable High School 8-12 Hyannis
Barnstable Intermediate 6-7 Hyannis School
Barnstable United 3-5 Osterville Elementary
Barnstable West K-3 West Barnstable Elementary Barnstable
Barnstable Community K-3 Hyannis Innovation School
Hyannis West Elementary K-3 Hyannis
Centerville Elementary K-3 Centerville
West Villages Elementary K-3 Marstons Mills
Enoch Cobb Early Pre-K
Learning Center • Ages 3-5 Hyannis Preschool
Source: Barnstable Pu blic Schools
Public Schools
The Barnstable Public School District operates a
local preK-12 school system with nine school
facilities. As of the 2022-2023 school year, the
district educated 4,838 students. The student
body is comprised of a diverse population and
educates many students recognized by the State
of Massachusetts as "selected populations" or
those who may need additional educational
support.73 Table 2.7 lists the public schools in the
Town of Barnstable.
Support programs help a range of students
including those for whom English is a second
language {ESL), English learners, students with
disabilities to students with high needs due to
socioeconomic backgrounds or those deemed
low-income. In addition to support programs for
higher-need students, the district maintains a
low teacher-to-student ratio of 11.6 students per
teacher and focuses on educating the whole child
through social emotional learning opportunities.74
Figure 2.5 shows the percentage of selected
populations in the Barnstable School District.
The Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment
System {MCAS) shows Barnstable students'
performance is "partially meeting expectations"
in 2022 achievements.
Barnstable Public Schools have a strong
foundation and leadership that plans to continue
its dedication to future generations. The Town
welcomed a new Superintendent, Sarah Ahern,
in 2022. Her early efforts include development of
an entry plan focused on building relationships
to identify the district's strengths and opportuni•
ties and collaborative development a multi-year
73 Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), "School and District Profiles", Barnstable,
Accessed January 2023.
74 Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), "School and District Profiles", Barnstable,
Accessed January 2023.
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 87
Figure 2.5 . Barnstable School District Selected Popu lations
Low-income
High Needs
Students with Disabilities
English Language Learner
First Language not English
17.2%
21.2%
33.4%
54.3%
66.7%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70%
Source: Department of Education {MA)
Strategy for District Improvement. Initial findings
reflect the District's d iversity, dedicated s taff and
faculty, and breadth of opp ortunities afforded to
students as strengt hs. The regional high co s t of
living and housing are recognized by the District
as challenges in developing a rec ruiting talent.
After a D istrict fa cility consolidati on effort that
closed three elem e ntary sch ools in the 2000's the
District is faced with mounti ng space constraints
and questions about long -ter m enro llme nt trends.
Further challenges incl ude a portfolio of aging
build ings, concerns about adequacy of spaces and
educati onal equity, as well as ongoing concerns
about having tw o, two grade schools (4-5, 6-7)
and Grade 8 at the high school.
Image caption here.
The region's network of public and private
schools also su pplements the diverse needs with
sch ool choice so Barnstable resid ents may elec t
to send their stu dent out of district, to charter
schools, pr ivate institutions, or the re gional
technical high sch ool. While not located with in
Barnstable, Ca p e Cod Regional Tec hn ical School
in nearby Harwich offers programs in trades s uch
as carpentry, p lu m bing, e lectrical, HVAC, horti•
cult ure, auto tech and collision repairs, marine
services, culinary arts, co smetology, hea lth tech,
dental assisting, infor mation tec hnology, graphic
88 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan
design, and ot her s. Through the se de s ignat ed
career pathw ays, stude nts can earn OSHA
10-ho ur cards or state-level certificatio n s and
help students lau nch their career.
Higher educatio n opportunitie s are also av ailable
in Barn stable and surrounding are as t hro ugh
Cape Cod Comm unity Colleg e locate d in W est
Barn st able thro u gh a variety of A s sociate's
degree programs and the Cape Cod R e gion al
Technical High Sc hool's adu lt progr amm ing, with
the Community Sc hool. The Community S c hool
offer s short -term co urs es in career-focused and
enrichment ar eas lik e co smetolo gy, HVAC tec h•
n olo gy, bicycle repair, and even sewing. These
re sources actively help individuals enhance tech•
n ical skills , achieve career goals, and m eet the
needs of the ever-changing reg ional eco no my.
Libraries
The Town of Barnstable is home to seven
independent libraries (listed in Table 2.8); with
one private, non-profit organization contracted
with the town in each village to provide library
services to residents. Each institution has its
own staff and board of trustees. The Town has
traditionally provided funding to each library in
the form of grants for a portion of the libraries'
total operating funds.75
Each library varies in size, operating hours,
and collections, but their resources ultimately
support the continued education of Barnstable
residents and provide a space to exchange
knowledge. While each mission is slightly
different, each library is devoted to fostering
civic, intellectual, and cultural pursuits, curiosity,
and literacy at all ages. They support the
community through abundant in-person and
remote opportunities.
Among adult and youth programming,
Barnstable's libraries offer research resources
like computers, databases, catalogs, access
to ebooks and audiobooks, museum passes,
language resources, and technological
assistance, to name a few. The Barnstable public
library network is an asset to the community
that provides opportunities for lifelong learning.
Table 2.8. Libraries in Barnstab le
Library Village
The Sturgis Library Barnstable
Centerville Public Library Centerville
Cotuit Library Cotuit
Hyannis Public Library Hyannis
Marstons Mills Library Marstons Mills
Osterville Village Library Osterville
Whelden Library West Barnstable
Source: Town of Barnstable
Image caption here.
75 Town of Barnstable, Town Manager's Proposed Operating Budget, Fiscal Year 2024, 14.
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 89
Imag e caption here.
Public Safety
The Barnstable Police Department is currently
led by Chief Matthew K. Sonnabend with close
to composed of 150 staff members including
sworn in officers,
civilians, and dispatchers with the mission to
protect the lives, property, and rights of citizens
through proactive strategies. The department
faces seasonal fluctuations in community
needs with an influx of tourists and seasonal
populations. As the dispatcher for police and
fire calls, they are one of the busiest dispatch
centers in the State of Massachusetts.76 Aside
from patrol and responding to emergencies, the
Barnstable Police have specialized resources
and units to meet the needs of the community.
Two canines comprise their K-9 detection unit
focused on patrol and narcotics detection and
help the wider Cape Cod Community without
canine resources.
Additional specialized programs include school
resource officers, an emergency notification
system, college internship programs, and
community resource officers that patrol
Hyannis Main Street as liaisons between sworn
personnel, businesses, and tourists. There are
clinicians on staff designated to aid officers
to mitigate community impact as the medical
health hub of the region. The Community
resource program was extended as of 2022 as a
year-round program.7
The Barnstable Police continue to advance their
response techniques and technology to reflect
76 Public Services: Chief Matthew K. Sonnabend, Barnstable Police.
77 Public Services: Chief Matthew K. Sonnabend, Barnstable Police.
90 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan
Im ag e caption here.
the needs of their community; still, challenges
with new technology include long-term
data storage, licensing fees, and equipment
maintenance are an obstacle to these efforts.
Challenges across the department include
difficulty hiring and outgrowing their physical
space. While the headquarters in Hyannis are in
good condition, the staff have outgrown existing
office spaces and now employ cubicles and
village substations in Barnstable and Hyannis to
supplement facility needs. There will be more
implications for these spaces once the depart•
ment reaches full capacity after surmounting
challenges to hire officers with previous
technical experience.
Fire & Emergency Ser vic es
Fire and emergency medical services align
under the same districts as drinking water. The
Hyannis Fire District was the first department
formed in 1896 after Town Meeting rejected
petitions to create a town-wide fire department
due to Barnstable's size and number of villages.
In 1926, residents of Barnstable Village,
Cotuit, and Centerville and Osterville together
petitioned the state legislature to establish
three additional fire districts. The enabling
legislation for these districts provided for many
powers, including village-level taxation.78 The
Barnstable Fire District in Barnstable Village,
for example, allowed the village to fund and
install streetlights. However, it didn't offer
organized fire protection until 1935, following
two 1934 fires that prompted the Barnstable
78 1926 Massachusetts House Bill 1433. An Act To Establish The Cotuit Fire District In The Town Of Barnstable.
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 91
Fire D ist rict to create and combine water and
fire d epa rtments that sh ared in frastructur e.79 In
1949, the West Barnstable Fire District became
Barnstable's fifth fire district with a majority
volunteer base. Marstons Mills joined the
Centerville-Osterville district in 1956 to form the
Centerville-Osterville-Marstons Mills (C.O.M.M.)
Fire District.
Solid Waste
Solid waste disposal in Barnstable is facilitated
through a town-wide Solid Waste Disposal
Facility and a transfer station for households
and independent commercial trash haulers. The
Solid Waste Disposal Facility located in Marstons
Mills is overseen by the Department of Public
Works; it is specifically for solid waste generated
within the town of Barnstable. Households may
purchase up to two transfer station stickers for
weekly household waste and recycling, with
accommodations for households experiencing
financial hardship.
Hazardous waste pickup is also available on
multiple occasions throughout the spring,
summer, and fall at Marstons Mills for house•
holds and local businesses.
Private Utilities
Households and businesses across Barnstable
have a diverse set of needs, requiring a variety
of utilities. Eversource provides electricity
throughout the town of Barnstable. Residents
may participate in renewable energy programs
with Cape Light Compact, including no-cost
energy assessments for Eversource customers
seeking more sustainable energy consumption.
Cape Light Compact supports the modernization
of the current, single-source power grid which
relies on power plants." The expansion into
microgrid systems diversifies energy sources
to include multiple renewable power sources
to meet communities' needs and support envi•
ronmental options for businesses. Aside from
electricity, households may differ in their utility
needs such as gas, heating oil, or propane due to
internal heat or water systems. National Grid is
Cape Cod's natural gas provider.
Additional utilities in Barnstable, such as wireless
internet and other telecommunication services
for residential and business needs, are available
through a larger market. Barnstable residents
and businesses may purchase wireless internet,
cable, or telecom through various providers,
including Comcast, Verizon, HughesNet, Viasat,
Ultra Home Internet, and T-Mobile Home
Internet. Comcast remains the most pervasive
vendor for these needs, with the highest
internet speeds available. The Town could
benefit from additional carriers. Fiber optic
through Open Cape continues to expand infra•
structure improvements throughout the region
to homes and businesses. Wireless internet
service is available through a cable connection,
satellite, and even SG LTE. An overlapping list of
companies also offers mobile telephone services
in the region with the addition of AT&T Wireless.
79 Chief Francis M. Pulsifer, Organizational Analysis - 2019, Barnstable Fire Department, 2019, p3-4.
80 "2015 Grid Modernization." Cape Light Compact. Accessed October 2022.
92 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 98
3 Community Systems
Barnstable’s community systems include its
cultural and historic resources, economic
activity, housing, and—most importantly—its
people . Together these resources foster
Barnstable’s local identity while enhancing the
community networks that serve and support
those who live in, work, and visit Barnstable .
Healthy, sustainable community systems depend
on the thoughtful integration of built systems
with the protection of natural systems.
Cultural Heritage
Overview
Barnstable’s natural landscapes and built envi-
ronment reflect its rich heritage. Many historic
buildings, structures, cemeteries, homesteads,
and streetscapes within town represent commu-
nity assets that tell Barnstable’s story and create
a strong sense of place . The Town’s cultural
resources, including two cultural districts, cele-
brate and enhance the Town’s vibrant arts scene,
maritime traditions, and historic assets.
Barnstable is comprised of seven villages each
with their own history, identity, and character,
and each with a village center with its own
unique historic and cultural assets . Barnstable
Village, which also includes the Cummaquid
neighborhood, is characterized by its intact
historic resources and scenic roads, an active
harbor and ways to water on the sheltered
waters of Barnstable Harbor, and the County
seat . Centerville is a year-round community with
popular beaches on Nantucket Sound, beautiful
historic neighborhoods, the third largest
freshwater lake in the region, and convenience
shopping areas on Route 28 . Cotuit, surrounded
on three sides by water, is a residential village
with valued open spaces and historic buildings,
and a commercial area on Route 28 . Hyannis,
which also includes the Hyannis Port and West
Hyannisport neighborhoods, is the economic
center of the region, defined by the presence of
the regional commercial center and a historic
Main Street and working waterfront . Marstons
Mills has a rural village character dotted
with cranberry bogs, freshwater ponds, and
preserved open spaces. Osterville is an attractive
seaside residential community with a quaint and
valued village center . West Barnstable is home
to the Great Marshes and Sandy Neck, historic
resources along Route 6A, and a rural character .
Village Organizations
Each of Barnstable’s villages is represented by
voluntary membership organizations that work
with Town officials on local projects, advocate
for the unique needs of their village, host events
and resident meetings, produce educational
materials, and more. These organizations
include the Barnstable Village Association, West
Barnstable Civic Association, Centerville Civic
Association, Marstons Mills Village Association,
Cotuit-Santuit Civic Association, Osterville Village
Association, Osterville Village and Professional
Association, Greater Hyannis Civic Association,
and Hyannis Port Civic Association.
P L AC E H O L D E R
Image caption here.
Cultural Resources
Strong cultural sectors attract residents,
tourists, businesses, artists, and entrepreneurs
while defining the community’s distinctive
atmosphere . Barnstable promotes its cultural
resources through its Arts Barnstable program,
a Town-sponsored directory of events, places to
visit, and resources for artists. Figure 3.1 shows a
Town-wide map of cultural attractions, including
Barnstable’s cultural districts in Barnstable
Village and Hyannis.
Cultural Districts
Barnstable has two established cultural districts
—the Barnstable Village Cultural District and
the Hyannis HyArts Cultural District . Established
cultural districts can pursue a variety of resources,
including marketing opportunities and Mass
Cultural Council programs to develop cultural
economic development strategies, cultural
facilities planning and construction, and more.
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 99
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 100
Figure 3 .1 . ArtsBarnstable Town-wide Map of Cultural Resources
Figure 3 .2 . Artist Shanties, Hyannis Figure 3 .3 . The Old Jail, Barnstable Village
Image caption here. Image caption here.
What are Cultural Districts?
A cultural district designated under M.G.L. Chapter 10 § 58A acts as a hub of
cultural, artistic, and economic activity within a community. Cultural districts are
typically easily navigable, compact areas that include a concentration of cultural
facilities, activities, and other resources. This designation is awarded by the Mass
Cultural Council and serves to drive economic growth; support arts, humanities,
and science organizations; and cultivate a local sense of identity and character.
Sources: M.G.L. Chapter 10 § 58A and
Mass Cultural Council (massculturalcouncil.org/communities/cultural-districts)
HyArts Cultural District – The first state-
designated cultural district on Cape Cod, the
HyArts Cultural District in Hyannis provides arts
and cultural experiences, outdoor activities,
shopping, and dining . Sites include the JFK
Hyannis Museum, Kennedy Legacy Trail,
Cape Cod Maritime Museum, Mass Air and
Space Museum, and the Zion Union Heritage
Museum. While unique shops, boutiques, and
galleries are available year-round within the
district, seasonal opportunities to enjoy the
arts include free outdoor concerts and “Artist
Shanties” where local artisans sell hand-made
or crafted work (Figure 3 .2).81
Barnstable Village Cultural District – Located on
the north side of Barnstable, this cultural district
includes historical buildings, restaurants, locally-
owned shops, artist studios and galleries, and
musical and theater groups . The district borders
Barnstable Harbor, where visitors can learn
about the working waterfront, enjoy
scenic views of Sandy Neck Beach and Sandy
Neck Lighthouse, or take part in a variety of
educational tours. The district also includes the
U .S . Coast Guard Heritage Museum, the oldest
wooden jail in the United States (the “Old Jail,”
Figure 3 .3), and the Sturgis Library, the oldest
library building in the United States .82
Mid-Cape Cultural Council
The Mid-Cape Cultural Council is an affiliate of
the Massachusetts Cultural Council and awards
grants to support community-based cultural
proposals within the Towns of Barnstable and
Yarmouth. The Council particularly encourages
“community programs that build awareness of
local heritage, multi-cultural awareness, natural
resources or arts [e.g., public art, festivals or
concerts]” that fulfill a cultural need of the
Mid-Cape region . In FY2023, the Mid-Cape
Cultural Council awarded over $27,000 to
thirty-one projects, with grants ranging from
$360 to $1,500.83
81 ArtsBarnstable, “Hyannis HyArts Cultural District.” Accessed February 2023 at
https://artsbarnstable.com/destinations/hyarts-district/
82 Mass Cultural Commission, “Barnstable Village Cultural District.” Accessed February 2023 at
https://massculturalcouncil.org/communities/cultural-districts/designated-cultural-districts/
83 Massachusetts Cultural Council. “Mid-Cape Cultural Council.” Accessed February 2023 at
https://massculturalcouncil.org/local-council/mid-cape/
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 101
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 102
Historic Resources
Barnstable has submitted documentation for
over 2,400 properties to the Massachusetts
Historical Commission’s Cultural Resource
Information System (MACRIS). These resources
date from 1644 to 1995 and include 2,249
buildings, 92 objects, 34 structures, 59 areas,
and 18 burial grounds . Maps 3 .1 and 3 .2
show the distribution of these resources by
type and area throughout the Town . As of
May 2023, the Inventory of Archaeological
Assets of the Commonwealth defines that
there are 99 ancient to early historical period
(Paleoindian period through the early 17th
century) archaeological sites in Barnstable and
73 historical period (17th through 20th century)
archaeological sites .84
National Designations
National Historic Landmarks (NHLs) are nationally
significant historic places designated by the
Secretary of the Interior that illustrate the heri-
tage of the United States. Approximately 2,600
historic places in the United States have been
honored with this distinction and include historic
buildings, sites, structures, objects, and districts .
The Kennedy Compound on Irving and Marchant
Avenues received NHL designation in 1972 and
represents one of two NHLs on Cape Cod.85
The National Park Service’s National Register
of Historic Places (NRHP) is the official national
list of historic places deemed worthy of
preservation. Categories of properties include
buildings, districts, sites, structures, objects,
and places . Listed places must meet criteria
relating to age, structural integrity, and historical
significance at the local, state, or national level.
The Cape Cod Commission reviews significant
changes to, or the demolition of, buildings listed
on the National Register, as well as buildings
located within a National Register District.
Barnstable has fifteen National Register Districts
that collectively include over 1,000 properties, as
well as an additional sixty-three buildings, three
objects, and two sites individually listed on the
National Register.86,87 Map 3 .3 displays National
Historic Districts across the Cape and shows
that the nationally-recognized historic districts
in Barnstable account for 33 percent of such
districts in the County. These listings include the
portion of Old King’s Highway/Route 6A that
runs through Barnstable, which was added to
the National Register of Historic Places in 1987.
While the Old King’s Highway Regional Historic
District was enacted in 1974, this historic byway
covering 34 miles from Sandwich to Orleans
received National Scenic Byway status from the
U.S Department of Transportation in 2021.88
Local/Regional Historic Districts
Barnstable has two historic districts—the
Old King's Highway Regional Historic District,
which includes all land north of Route 6A, and
the Hyannis Main Street Waterfront Historic
District . Historic District Commissions review
project applications relating to construction,
84 Values provided by Edward L. Bell, Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer, Senior Archaeologist, Massachusetts Historical
Commission, May 2023.
85 The Louis Brandeis House in Chatham is the one other NHL on Cape Cod. National Park Service, “List of NHLs by State.”
Accessed March 2023 at https://www.nps.gov/subjects/nationalhistoriclandmarks/list-of-nhls-by-state.htm#onthisPage-21
86 National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places, “National Register Database and Research.” Accessed February 2023
and November 2024 at https://www.nps.gov/subjects/nationalregister/database-research.htm
87 Massachusetts Historical Commission Historic Inventory (via MassGIS), updated November 2024.
88 Cape Cod Commission, “Old King’s Highway Achieves National Scenic Byway Status,” February 22, 2021. Accessed February
2023 at https://www.capecodcommission.org/about-us/newsroom/old-kings-highway-achieves-national-scenic-byway-status/
demolition, movement, or alteration of external
architectural features .
The Old King's Highway Regional Historic District
is the largest historic district in the nation,
running from Sandwich to Orleans. Each Town
within the district has their own Historic District
Committee. In Barnstable, the Old King's
Highway Historic District Committee (OKH
Committee) serves this role and reviews applica-
tions for any change in the exterior of buildings
and structures, fences and signs, and applica-
tions for new construction or demolition within
the district . The Hyannis Main Street Waterfront
Historic District was created in 1996 as part of
ongoing efforts to address revitalization and
historic preservation in downtown Hyannis. Like
the OKH Committee, the Hyannis Main Street
Waterfront Historic District Commission (HHDC)
is responsible for reviewing applications for
new construction, demolition, and changes to
the exterior of buildings, structures, or settings
within the district, and strives “to create a desir-
able place to live, work and enjoy through the
preservation, maintenance and improvement of
historic vernacular .”89
Barnstable Historical Commission
Local historical commissions (LHCs) established
under M.G.L. Chapter 40, § 8D are the official
municipal agency responsible for historic
preservation planning within the community.
Established in 1967, the Barnstable Historical
Commission (BHC) assists the Town in preserving
and protecting historical buildings and settings
throughout Barnstable . The BHC focuses on
educating the public about town history, inven-
tories historic properties, serves an advisory
role to the Town Council regarding municipal
policies affecting the town’s historic resources,
and is responsible for oversight of the Town’s
Protection of Historic Properties Ordinance,
described below .
Since 2010 there have been 177 Demolition
Applications approved collectively by the Old
King’s Highway Historic District Committee,
Hyannis Main Street and Waterfront Historic
District Commission and the Barnstable
Historical Commission as further defined within
Table 3 .1 below .
Historical Societies
Historical Societies are private, non-profit organi-
zations that preserve a community’s historical
collections and records. Historical societies
often operate local museums and undertake
educational programming. All of Barnstable’s
villages have historical societies, and the Cotuit,
Barnstable, Centerville, and Osterville Historical
Societies all operate museums from notable
historic buildings . The Barnstable Historical
Society, founded in 1939 to represent all of the
Town’s seven villages, is located in the historic
Phinney-Jones House on Main Street across from
the Sturgis Library. The Society’s collection is
showcased in nine exhibit rooms and focuses on
the maritime and cultural history of the Town
from the 18th to early 20th centuries .
Protection of Historic Resources
Regulatory & Policy Protections – Article I of the
Town’s Historic Properties Ordinance, Protection
of Historic Properties, imposes a demolition
delay of 18 months for “preferably preserved
significant buildings.” This designation applies to
buildings outside of the Town’s two local historic
districts but which: are listed or in a pending
89 Town of Barnstable, “Hyannis Main Street Waterfront Historic District Commission.” Accessed
February 2023 at https://www.town.barnstable.ma.us/boardscommittees/HyannisMainStreet/default.
asp?brd=Hyannis+Main+Street+Waterfront+Historic+District+Commission&brdid=13&year=2023
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 103
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 104
Table 3 .1 . Approved Demolition Applications
Year
Barnstable
Historical
Commission
Old King’s Highway
Historic District
Committee
Hyannis Main
Street and
Waterfront
Historic District
Commission
Total
2022 9 3 1 13
2021 11 8 0 19
2020 5 9 0 14
2019 6 15 0 21
2018 5 3 0 8
2017 9 15 2 26
2016 4 5 1 10
2015 11 1 0 12
2014 7 5 0 12
2013 3 6 1 10
2012 1 8 2 11
2011 3 5 3 11
2010 0 8 2 10
Total 177
Source:
application for listing on the National Register of
Historic Places; are listed on the Massachusetts
Register of Historic Places; or are over 75 years
of age and determined by the LHC to be histori-
cally or architecturally important . This ordinance
was recently amended in 2017 to increase the
duration of the imposed delay from six months
to 18 months .
Other regulatory or policy protections for
historic resources include:
• The Town’s local Wetlands Protection
Ordinance requires identification of historic
resources located within the affected
resource area .
• The Town adopted a Scenic Roads Ordinance
in 1983 and has sixty-two local roads subject
to the ordinance. This designation requires
Planning Board approval of alteration or
removal of stone walls and the cutting or
removal of trees located within the public
right-of-way in accordance with defined
thresholds. Roads receive this designation by
Town Council vote .
• The Town’s Site Plan Review process requires
information on historic resources in the
development parcel .
• To encourage the preservation of larger, older
homes, the Town’s zoning ordinance allows
the conversion of single-family homes to
bed and breakfast establishments by special
permit within several of the Town’s residen-
tially zoned districts.
• In January 2022, the Town was recognized
as a Complete Streets community with
an approved Complete Streets Policy that
incorporates mindful consideration for
prioritization of character and scenic roads.
Planning Efforts – The Town’s most recent
Historic Preservation Plan was completed in
2010 as an update to previous efforts in 1990
and 1985 . The Barnstable Historical Commission
commissioned the plan, along with a historic
resource inventory of all historic structures
within the Hyannis Main Street Waterfront
Historic District and the Growth Incentive Zone.
The Historic Preservation Plan includes recom-
mendations relating to education and advocacy,
regulatory protections for historic resources, and
municipal policy and management .
Funding for Historic Preservation – Between
2006 and 2021, the Town appropriated $11.4M
in Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds
toward sixty-seven historic preservation
projects. Historic preservation represents the
most funded CPA project type in Barnstable,
with 36 percent of appropriated CPA funds from
2006–2021 going toward this activity compared
to 29 percent for open space preservation, 24
percent for community housing, and 11 percent
for recreation.90 In addition, the Town received
grants through the Massachusetts Historical
Commission’s Massachusetts Preservation
Projects Fund (MPPF), which was established
in 1984 as a 50 percent reimbursable matching
grant to support the preservation of properties,
landscapes, and sites listed in the National
Register of Historic Places . Barnstable MPPF-
supported projects include the Unitarian Church,
Olde Colonial Courthouse, US Custom House and
Carriage House, and Barnstable Customs House .
Community Preservation Act
M.G.L. Chapter 44B, “Community Preservation,” was signed into law in 2000,
granting communities the right to raise local property taxes to fund land
conservation, historic preservation, and affordable housing efforts. The law also
provides significant matching funds to participating communities. Barnstable
adopted CPA in 2005 and has allocated over $31.3M in CPA funds from 2006–
2021. Project applications are reviewed by the Town’s Community Preservation
Committee (CPC), which then makes recommendations to the Town Manager
and Town Council.
90 Town of Barnstable Community Preservation Committee, “All Community Preservation Fund Appropriations by Town Council
Order Through 6/30/21 – DRAFT.” Accessed January 2023 at https://www.town.barnstable.ma.us/BoardsCommittees/
CommunityPreservation/CPC_Plan/All-CPA-Appropriations-to-6-30–2021.pdf?tm=3/7/2023%208:09:27%20AM
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 105
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 106
People
Overview
Barnstable is a growing community: it has
seen population increases reported in all but
one of the last ten decennial Census counts .
Most of this growth occurred between 1960
and 2000, particularly the 1970s and 1980s
where the population grew by over 10,000
in each decade .91 As Barnstable continues to
grow and welcome new residents, the Town
has also become more racially and ethnically
diverse . In Downtown Hyannis, 48 percent of the
population belongs to a racial or ethnic minority
as of the 2020 Census compared to 28 percent
in 2010 .92 The overall concentration of minority
populations has not shifted as much, with 41
percent of the Town’s minority population living
in Downtown Hyannis as of 2020 compared to
43 percent in 2010 . Town-wide, there has been
a similar increase in diversity, with 24 percent of
the Town’s total population belonging to a racial
or ethnic minority in 2020, nearly doubling from
13 percent in 2010 .93
Population and Household Sizes
Despite a population decrease of 5.5 percent
between 2000 and 2010, the 2020 Census
indicates that Barnstable’s population has
rebounded and once again exceeds the 2000
population. The 2020 Census reported a popula-
tion of 48,916. The Town is Barnstable County’s
seat and most populous town, accounting for
21.4 percent of the total county population. The
number of households counted in Barnstable in
2020 also represents an all-time high at 20,613
households, which is a 7 .2 percent increase
from Census 2010 counts and 5 .0 percent
increase from Census 2000 counts .94 The 2020
Census showed modest growth in household
size, with an estimated average 2.34 people per
household up from 2.33 in 2010. The estimated
average household size for Barnstable County
2.17, and of all the Cape Cod communities, only
Sandwich has larger average household sizes
than Barnstable .95
Population Age
Larger household sizes often indicate larger
proportions of children in a community, and in
Barnstable’s case, this seems to be true . Higher
than the county average of 14 .3 percent, 16 .5
percent of Barnstable’s population is under 18,
and only Sandwich has a larger share of children
(18.4 percent). Figure 3 .4 shows age composition
among Barnstable residents, where the largest
age groups are 55 to 64 and under 18 .96 Between
2010 and 2020, the under-18 population
91 US Census Bureau, Decennial Census, 1930–2020, via Massachusetts State Data Center/Donahue Institute,
UMass President's Office.
92 Census block groups used to define Hyannis/Downtown Hyannis in this section align with the Town’s Neighborhood Revitalization
Strategy Area (NRSA), designated under the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. The NRSA includes Census
Tract 152.02, Block Groups 2, 3, and 4; Census Tract 126.02, Block Groups 2, 3, and 4, and Census Tract 153, Block Groups 2 and 3.
93 US Census Bureau, Decennial Census 2010 and 2020, via Social Explorer.
94 US Census Bureau, Decennial Census 2000–2020, via Social Explorer.
95 At the time of this LCP draft, the complete 2020 Decennial Census was not released in its entirety. The Demographic and
Housing Characteristics File is expected to be released May 2023 and will include official average household size. For purposes
of this estimate based on Census 2020, the Group Quarters population (651 for Barnstable and 4,423 for Barnstable County)
has been subtracted from the Total Population (48,916 for Barnstable and 228,996 for Barnstable County), with the result
divided by the number of Occupied Housing Units (20,613 for Barnstable and 103,368 for Barnstable County).
96 The US Census Bureau publishes the decennial Census and the American Community Survey (ACS). The Census includes exact
counts, and ACS uses a different sampling method to generate estimates based on a rolling five-year average. This is why there can
be discrepancies between these sources. Age data from the 2020 Census is not yet available beyond over/under 18 years old.
Figure 3 .4 . Barnstable's Age Composition Across the Cape, while numbers of school-age
children are decreasing, numbers of older
14% 65 to 74
17% 55 to 64
6% 75 to 84
13% 45 to 54
3% 85+
18% Under 18
7% 18 to 24
11% 25 to 34
11% 35 to 44
adults are increasing . According to American
Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates,
between 2011 and 2021, there was an 18 .8
percent increase in the population 65 and older
in Barnstable (1,792 residents) while the overall
population increased by an estimated 3,070
residents, so 41 .6 percent of Barnstable’s net
population growth was among seniors.98 Table
3 .3 shows that over that same interval, the
overall number of seniors on the Cape increased
30.4 percent (16,248 residents), and Map 3 .5
shows the higher concentration of households
with seniors within Osterville .
Source: ACS 5-Year Estimates 2017–2021, Table B01001
dropped by 2.4 percent (198 children) in
Barnstable and 12.2 percent (4,537 children)
across the county. While two communities had
small gains in under-18 population (Eastham and
Wellfleet), every other Cape community had
losses in this age group . Table 3 .2 shows that by
comparison, Barnstable’s loss of population in
this age group was relatively small. Enrollment
in the Barnstable school district reached a
ten-year high in the 2019–2020 school year with
5,041 students, and then dropped 6 .5 percent
the following year. The effect of the COVID-19
pandemic on school enrollment is unclear, but all
but one of the elementary schools saw propor-
tionally larger losses in student populations
than the Intermediate and High Schools .97 Map
3 .4 displays the concentration of households
with children under 18 and shows that Hyannis
has the highest percentage of households with
children throughout Barnstable .
Barnstable also has the youngest population of
all its neighbors . The median age for all residents
is 47 .5, with the median for men at 46 .2 and
women 48.3. The population age 65 and over is
correspondingly the lowest on the entire Cape,
at 23 .3 percent . The median age for all other
Cape jurisdictions is 50 or older, with four towns
exceeding a median age of 60. For all other
Cape Cod towns except Barnstable, the 65 and
above demographic composes a quarter of the
population or more. Despite being the youngest
town on the Cape, Barnstable is still significantly
older than both the state (median age, 39.6; 65
and over, 17.4 percent) and New England overall
(median age 40.8; 65 and over 16.5 percent).
The aging of the community presents both
immediate and long-term implications for the
local economy .
97 Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), Enrollment Data, 2012–2022.
98 Because the full 2020 Census data is not yet publicly available, age-related data (other than for the under 18 population) are
not yet available. Table 3.2 instead uses American Community Survey data and should be reviewed upon release of the full
2020 Census.
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan
107
Table 3 .2 . Under-18 Population on Cape Cod in 2010 and 2020
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 108
2010 2020 Comparison 2010 to 2020
Under 18
All Ages
Under 18 /
Total
Under 18
All Ages
Under 18 /
Total
Difference
under 18
Difference
All Ages
% Change
under 18
% Change
All Ages
Barnstable County 37,249 215,887 17.3% 32,712 228,996 14.3% -4,537 13,109 -12.2% 6.1%
Barnstable 8,284 45,193 18.3% 8,086 48,916 16.5% -198 3,723 -2.4% 8.2%
Bourne 3,642 19,753 18.4% 2,922 20,452 14.3% -720 699 -19.8% 3.5%
Brewster 1,603 9,828 16.3% 1,432 10,318 13.9% -171 490 -10.7% 5.0%
Chatham 749 6,125 12.2% 610 6,594 9.3% -139 469 -18.6% 7.7%
Dennis 1,977 14,207 13.9% 1,620 14,674 11.0% -357 467 -18.1% 3.3%
Eastham 627 4,956 12.7% 652 5,752 11.3% 25 796 4.0% 16.1%
Falmouth 5,470 31,531 17.3% 4,566 32,517 14.0% -904 986 -16.5% 3.1%
Harwich 1,970 12,235 16.1% 1,856 13,440 13.8% -114 1,205 -5.8% 9.8%
Mashpee 2,697 14,006 19.3% 2,203 15,060 14.6% -494 1,054 -18.3% 7.5%
Orleans 650 5,890 11.0% 641 6,307 10.2% -9 417 -1.4% 7.1%
Provincetown 201 2,942 6.8% 175 3,664 4.8% -26 722 -12.9% 24.5%
Sandwich 4,986 20,675 24.1% 3,729 20,259 18.4% -1,257 -416 -25.2% -2.0%
Truro 263 2,003 13.1% 248 2,454 10.1% -15 451 -5.7% 22.5%
Wellfleet 369 2,750 13.4% 394 3,566 11.0% 25 816 6.8% 29.7%
Yarmouth 3,761 23,793 15.8% 3,578 25,023 14.3% -183 1,230 -4.9% 5.2%
Source: US Census Bureau, Census 2020 via Social Explorer, Tables T003 and T020; Barrett Planning Group.
Table 3 .3 . Population 65 and Older on Cape Cod in 2011 and 2021
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 109
2011 2021 Comparison 2011 to 2021
65 and Older
All Ages % Older
Adults
65 and Older
All Ages % Older
Adults
Difference in
Older Adults
% Change
Older Adults
Barnstable County 53,403 216,639 24.7% 69,651 227,942 30.6% 16,248 30.4%
Barnstable 9,532 45,486 21.0% 11,324 48,556 23.3% 1,792 18.8%
Bourne 3,732 19,632 19.0% 5,695 20,364 28.0% 1,963 52.6%
Brewster 2,679 9,853 27.2% 3,607 10,282 35.1% 928 34.6%
Chatham 2,170 6,177 35.1% 3,041 6,554 46.4% 871 40.1%
Dennis 4,176 14,392 29.0% 5,124 14,664 34.9% 948 22.7%
Eastham 1,545 5,011 30.8% 2,202 5,674 38.8% 657 42.5%
Falmouth 8,342 31,674 26.3% 10,390 32,526 31.9% 2,048 24.6%
Harwich 3,658 12,259 29.8% 4,662 13,329 35.0% 1,004 27.4%
Mashpee 3,212 13,900 23.1% 4,305 14,996 28.7% 1,093 34.0%
Orleans 2,552 5,946 42.9% 3,079 6,276 49.1% 527 20.7%
Provincetown 424 2,994 14.2% 1,075 3,582 30.0% 651 153.5%
Sandwich 2,852 20,635 13.8% 5,166 20,369 25.4% 2,314 81.1%
Truro 416 1,903 21.9% 591 1,575 37.5% 175 42.1%
Wellfleet 1,075 2,858 37.6% 1,182 4,305 27.5% 107 10.0%
Yarmouth 7,038 23,919 29.4% 8,208 24,890 33.0% 1,170 16.6%
Source: US Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates 2007–2011 and 2017–2021, Table B01001; Barrett Planning Group.
Figure 3 .5 . Racial/Ethnic Demographics of Adults and Children
Source: 2020 Census, Tables T022-T023 and T026-T027
Racial and Ethnic Composition
Barnstable is becoming more racially and
ethnically diverse . According to Decennial Census
figures, in 2010, 89.3 percent of residents were
White compared to 77 .2 percent in 2020 . The
population of residents who are of two or more
races saw the most growth, accounting for 3.1
percent of residents in 2010 and 11 .1 percent in
2020. The Black population grew from 3.0 percent
(1,366) to 4.6 percent (2,235) of Barnstable
residents . There was a modest increase in the
Asian population, from 1.2 to 1.8 percent of
residents . The number of people who selected
“Other” for race climbed from 1,217 (2.7 percent)
to 2,319 (4.7 percent) residents, and there were
even more who indicated that they were of more
than one race including “Other” increased even
more, from 560 to 4,014 . The only racial category
that saw a decrease in representation between
2010 and 2020 was “American Indian or Alaska
Native” alone, which dropped from 280 to 260
individuals .99 The Hispanic population grew from
3.1 percent of the town (1,418) to 5.4 percent
(2,626).100 According to the ACS, the largest share
of Hispanic residents is Ecuadorian, followed by
Dominican, Puerto Rican, and “Other .”101
Among children, these demographic changes
are even more apparent: while 83.2 percent of
the under-18 population (6,895) was White in
2010, this figure dropped to 64.5 percent (5,215)
in 2020. The population of children of more
99 US Census Bureau, Census 2020, Table T024.
100 US Census Bureau, Census 2020, Tables T004 and T021.
101 US Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates 2017–2021, Table B03001.
110 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan
22.2%
18.5%
14.5%
12.6% 11.7%
10.1%
5.5% 4.8%
Degree Degree Degree Professional
Degree
Figure 3 .6 . Educational Attainment for Barnstable and Barnstable County Residents
25 and Older
Barnstable Barnstable County
25%
25.7%
22.2%
24.8%
20%
16.9%
15%
10%
5%
6.2%
4.3%
0%
Less than high
school diploma
High school
diploma or
equivalent
Some college Associate’s
Bachelor’s
Masters’s
Doctorate or
Source: ACS 5-Year Estimates 2017–2021, Table B15003
than one race increased from 582 to 1,543 .102
Young families choosing to raise their children in
Barnstable are likely key to the Town’s increasing
diversity . Figure 3 .5 shows the racial and ethnic
demographics of Barnstable’s 18 and older and
under 18 populations.103
Nearly one in five Barnstable residents (8,374,
18.0 percent) were born outside the United
States. More than three-quarters (78.3 percent)
of Barnstable’s foreign-born population is from
Latin America.104 Brazil, Jamaica, and Ecuador are
residents’ most common countries of origin, and
about two-thirds (68.2 percent) of Barnstable’s
foreign-born population originates from one of
those three countries . While most Barnstable
residents speak English at home, 20 .3 percent
speak languages other than English at home, and
8.9 percent have limited English proficiency.105
Educational Attainment
On average, Barnstable residents have slightly
less education than Barnstable County as a
whole . A high school diploma or equivalent is
the highest level of education completed for
43 percent of Barnstable residents, compared
to 41 percent throughout the Cape . Just
under 40 percent of Barnstable residents have
a bachelor’s degree or higher, whereas
throughout the county, that figure is about five
102 US Census Bureau, Census 2020, Tables T005-007 and T022-024.
103 The Census does not provide a race designation in these tables for Hispanic residents, so these residents are included in their
own category in Figure 5.6 for the purpose of illustration.
104 US Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates 2017–2021, Table B05006.
105 US Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates 2017–2021, Table B06007.
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 111
Figure 3 .7 . Household Income Distribution 2011–2021 for Barnstable and Barnstable County
(Inflation-Adjusted)
25%
20%
15%
10%
5%
Barnstable
County
Barnstable Barnstable
County
Barnstable Barnstable
County
Barnstable
2011 2016 2021
Less than $30,000 22.7% 22.9% 21.8% 23.2% 16.3% 15.5%
$30,000–$49,999 18.6% 17.0% 16.8% 15.3% 13.2% 12.7%
$50,000–$74,999 18.8% 19.5% 18.2% 21.2% 16.3% 18.6%
$75,000–$99,999 14.4% 15.2% 14.0% 12.4% 12.9% 11.0%
$100,000–$124,999 9.4% 9.6% 9.8% 9.1% 9.2% 8.8%
$125,000–$149,999 5.1% 5.0% 6.9% 6.3% 8.6% 9.9%
$150,000–$199,999 5.9% 5.3% 6.4% 5.9% 10.5% 12.2%
$200,000 or more 5.0% 5.3% 6.2% 6.6% 12.9% 11.3%
Source: ACS 5-Year Estimates 2007–2011, 2012–2016, and 2017–2021, Tables B19055 and B19059
percentage points higher (44.9 percent). Figure
3 .6 compares the educational attainment of
Barnstable residents and that of all of Cape Cod .
Household Income
Household incomes in Barnstable tend to be very
similar to those throughout Barnstable County .
According to the American Community Survey
5-Year Estimates 2017–2021, the median house-
hold income in the past 12 months in Barnstable
was $82,816, and $82,619 for the county. Figure
3 .7 illustrates the proportion of households in
each income bracket (adjusted for inflation) for
the town and the county in 2011, 2016, and
2021 . While the 2011 and 2016 data show very
similar distributions with higher numbers of
lower-earning households, 2021 incomes show
significant growth in higher-earning households,
both within Barnstable and across Cape Cod .
As incomes in Barnstable and across the Cape
are very similar, the proportions of households
receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI),
Cash Public Assistance, or Food Stamps/SNAP in
the last 12 months are also very close: 7.9 percent
of households across the county and 8 .1 percent
of households in town receive public assistance .106
106 US Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates 2007–2011, 2012–2016, and 2017–2021, Table B19058.
112 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan
Like other communities, Barnstable’s increasing
share of adults over 65 is reflected in the
growing percentage of households with retire-
ment income or social security income, as shown
in Figure 3 .8. Nonetheless, Barnstable has one
of the lowest percentages of households with
retirement income (28.5 percent) and social
security income (39.3 percent) among Cape
communities, although both figures are still well
above Massachusetts estimates (20.2 percent
with retirement income and 29.8 percent with
social security income).
Environmental Justice Areas
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
defines environmental justice (EJ) as “the fair
treatment and meaningful involvement of all
people regardless of race, color, culture, national
origin, income, and educational levels with
respect to the development, implementation,
and enforcement of protective environmental
laws, regulations, and policies.”107 The state of
Massachusetts uses demographic data from the
Census Bureau’s American Community Survey
(ACS) to identify areas that meet one or more
criteria: annual median household incomes
are at or below 65 percent of those statewide;
racial/ethnic-minority residents make up 40
percent or more of the community; at least a
quarter of households speak English less than
“very well”; or incomes are at or below 150
percent of statewide annual household incomes
and at least 25 percent of residents represent
racial/ethnic minorities.108
Of Barnstable’s 38 population-based statistical
areas (called Census block groups), twelve meet
one or more conditions for EJ designation. These
twelve block groups are all situated within or
include parts of Hyannis, and they are home to
Figure 3 .8 . Households with Social Security or Retirement Income 2011–2021 for Barnstable
and Barnstable County
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
Barnstable
County
Barnstable Barnstable
County
Barnstable Barnstable
County
Barnstable
2011 2016 2021
With Social Security Income 41.1% 36.9% 44.1% 39.8% 46.1% 39.3%
With Retirement Income 26.3% 22.0% 27.2% 22.6% 34.2% 28.5%
Source: ACS 5-Year Estimates 2007–2011, 2012–2016, and 2017–2021, Tables B19055 and B19059
107 US Environmental Protection Agency, “EJ 2020 Glossary,” updated August 18, 2022.
108 MA Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA), “Environmental Justice Populations in Massachusetts,”
updated January 20, 2023.
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 113
Greening the Gateway Cities in
EJ Communities
In Spring 2022, Barnstable was
selected as one of five Gateway
Cities to participate in the
Greening the Gateway Cities
program, which is concentrated
in Environmental Justice
neighborhoods, and targets areas
within gateway cities that have
lower tree canopy, older housing
stock, higher wind speeds, and
a larger renter population. The
program plants trees free of
charge on eligible properties
within active Gateway City
planting zones.
Source: DCR Massachusetts, “Greening the
Gateway Cities” Fact Sheet, available at
https://www.mass.gov/doc/greening-
the-gateway-cities-program-fact-sheet/
download
32.4 percent of Barnstable’s total population.109
Map 3 .6 displays Barnstable’s Environmental
Justice block groups and identifies the criteria
they meet . Each of the twelve block groups
meets the minority population criterion; six
also qualify by household income; one also has
a population with limited English proficiency;
and one, the most densely settled area of town,
south of Route 28/Falmouth Road between
Winter Street and Bearses Way and north of
Stevens Street, meets all of these criteria .
Overall, 8.9 percent of Barnstable’s population
identify as speaking English less than “very well,”
but in parts of Hyannis, this figure can be more
than 300% higher.110 The two Hyannis block
groups flagged as EJ populations because of
English isolation are Cape Cod’s only areas that
received that designation.
Local Economy
Overview
As the largest town on Cape Cod and often
referred to as the “downtown” or “heart” of the
Cape, Barnstable features a strong and diverse
economy year-round as well as during the peak
summer season .
Labor Force
A community’s labor force is defined as all
residents aged 16 and older who are classified
as either employed or unemployed and actively
looking for work . Members of Barnstable’s labor
force live in Barnstable but may work elsewhere .
Labor force characteristics reflect a community’s
level of household wealth, which is a large
driver of local economic conditions. According
to 2017–2021 ACS estimates, Barnstable’s labor
force consists of an estimated 27,344 residents
out of the population age 16 and older (40,769),
for a labor force participation rate of 67.1
percent, significantly higher than the county
at 59 .9 percent .111 Barnstable’s higher labor
force participation rate makes sense because
the share of retired households in Barnstable
109 2020 Environmental Justice Populations, MA Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA),
updated November 2022.
110 US Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates 2017–2021, Tables B06007 and B16004.
111 US Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates 2017–2021, Tables B23025 and B23027.
114 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan
is relatively low within the county. Table 3 .3
shows that communities with higher labor force
participation rates tend to have a lower share of
retired households, although this is not always
the case .
Employment Sectors
Like nearly all economies, the private sector
provides the lion’s share of employment
for Barnstable residents, representing 61.2
percent of the employed labor force . Despite
being both the largest town on the Cape
and the county seat, Barnstable has a lower
percentage of workers employed in the public
sector (11.8 percent) as compared to the
county (12.6 percent) and state (12.4 percent).
Barnstable is also an outlier when it comes to
self-employment compared to its neighbors; in
Barnstable 15 .1 percent of all resident workers
are self-employed, higher than adjacent commu-
nities and well above the state’s rate of 8.7
percent, although in line with the county, also
at 15 .1 percent .112 Table 3 .3 above shows that
some Cape Cod communities have significantly
higher rates of self-employment—most notably
Brewster, Provincetown, and Sandwich .
Education
While the “People” section of the Community
Systems portion of this plan describes educa-
tional attainment of Barnstable’s residents, Table
3 .3 provides further detail by town . Barnstable
is among the lower end of residents age 25+
having earned a bachelor’s degree or higher
as compared to other Cape Cod communities.
More significantly, based on ACS 2017–2021
estimates, Barnstable has the highest estimated
PLA CEHOLDER
Image caption here.
dropout rate among the population ages 16–19
compared to other Cape Cod communities and
even the state .113
Industries of Labor Force
The top two industries Barnstable residents work
in include “Educational Services, and Health
Care and Social Assistance” (23.8 percent) and
“Construction” (12.5 percent), with the latter
representing a significantly larger share of the
local labor force compared to the state (5.9
percent). Table 3 .4 also shows that earnings by
industry vary between geographies, although
Barnstable residents have lower median
earnings across industries than the county
and state ($40,276, $40,979, and $48,078,
respectively).114 While residents in industries such
as “Information,” “Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing
and Hunting, And Mining,” and “Wholesale Trade”
earn more than their counterparts statewide,
for other industries earnings are significantly
less, particularly in “Finance and Insurance, Real
Estate, and Rental and Leasing” and “Professional,
Scientific, Management, and Administrative and
Waste Management Services .”
112 Social Explorer Table A17009 based upon the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates 2017–2021.
113 Department of Elementary and Secondary Education district profiles indicate a 2020–2021 dropout rate of 1.8 percent for
the Barnstable Public Schools and a 1.5 percent rate for the state. District profiles show a higher rate for Dennis-Yarmouth in
2020–2021 at 3.1 percent, as well as Falmouth Public Schools at 2.7 percent. All other public school districts on Cape Cod have
lower dropout rates than these three districts. Profiles are available at https://profiles.doe.mass.edu.
114 US Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates 2017–2021, Table B20017.
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 115
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 116 Table 3 .3 . Select Labor Force Characteristics across Cape Cod
Labor Force Participation
Characteristics
Employment Characteristics
Educational Characteristics
Labor Force
Participation Rate
% Households w/
Retirement Income
% Working in Town
of Residence
% Self-Employed
Dropout Rate for
Population Ages
16–19
Bachelor’s Degree
or Higher,
Massachusetts 67.2% 20.2% 35.6% 8.7% 2.8% 45.2%
Barnstable County 59.9% 34.2% 42.6% 15.1% 1.9% 44.9%
Barnstable 67.1% 28.5% 54.0% 15.1% 3.9% 39.6%
Bourne 63.2% 31.8% 31.8% 13.6% 2.4% 43.4%
Brewster 54.6% 42.5% 24.7% 23.3% 0.5% 44.9%
Chatham 45.3% 39.3% 49.0% 19.0% 0.4% 62.6%
Dennis 55.9% 37.0% 32.1% 13.9% <0.0% 39.3%
Eastham 50.7% 43.5% 32.6% 16.9% <0.0% 47.2%
Falmouth 56.7% 33.3% 58.4% 15.2% 3.3% 50.1%
Harwich 59.4% 36.4% 34.7% 14.4% <0.0% 44.9%
Mashpee 61.0% 30.7% 34.2% 11.4% 0.8% 39.4%
Orleans 47.9% 38.7% 48.0% 8.7% <0.0% 60.4%
Provincetown 62.6% 26.5% 69.1% 23.4% <0.0% 57.6%
Sandwich 65.5% 36.8% 30.2% 28.9% <0.0% 48.1%
Truro 64.8% 31.7% 51.6% 11.3% <0.0% 56.5%
Wellfleet 52.4% 32.6% 44.8% 15.1% <0.0% 52.5%
Yarmouth 57.6% 38.9% 35.3% 21.6% 0.1% 39.5%
Sources: US Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates 2017–2021, Tables B08008 and B15003, and Social Explorer ACS Tables A10015, A12003,
A17002, and A17009.
Table 3 .4 . Percent Labor Force and Median Earnings by Industry for the Civilian Employed
Population 16 Years and Older
% Labor Force Median Earnings
Industry
Barnstable Barnstable
County
MA
Barnstable Barnstable
County
MA
Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing
and Hunting, And Mining
0.5%
0.8%
0.4%
$63,633
$47,670
$50,705
Construction 12.5% 10.1% 5.9% $47,073 $55,103 $65,723
Manufacturing 5.5% 4.6% 8.9% $58,906 $68,789 $75,174
Wholesale Trade 2.2% 2.2% 2.1% $76,650 $71,496 $64,824
Retail Trade 11.0% 12.4% 10.0% $53,365 $49,585 $51,288
Transportation And
Warehousing, And Utilities
3.5%
3.8%
4.1%
$64,795
$64,118
$63,973
Information 1.9% 1.8% 2.2% $122,716 $77,041 $88,210
Finance And Insurance, And
Real Estate, And Rental and
Leasing
6.3%
6.1%
7.3%
$60,592
$73,875
$88,086
Professional, Scientific,
And Management, And
Administrative, And Waste
Management Services
11.6%
12.9%
14.8%
$60,841
$75,614
$92,228
Educational Services, And
Health Care and Social
Assistance
23.8%
24.4%
28.1%
$64,459
$65,486
$64,654
Arts, Entertainment, And
Recreation, And
Accommodation and Food
Services
10.0%
11.2%
7.9%
$39,102
$43,727
$41,083
Other Services, Except Public
Administration
5.8%
4.9%
4.3%
$44,830
$50,712
$49,544
Public Administration 5.3% 5.0% 3.9% $78,967 $82,254 $81,646
Source: US Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates 2017–2021, Tables B24041 and C24050.
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 117
Table 3 .5 . Location Quotients for Select Industries
Share of Jobs (Average Monthly
Employment)
Location Quotients
Description
Barnstable Barnstable
County
MA
Barnstable Barnstable
County
Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and
Hunting, And Mining
0.7%
0.7%
0.7%
0.93
0.95
Construction 6.0% 7.9% 5.1% 0.75 1.17
Manufacturing 2.9% 2.5% 6.7% 1.16 0.44
Wholesale Trade 2.0% 1.8% 3.4% 1.12 0.58
Retail Trade 17.3% 16.1% 9.6% 1.07 1.80
Transportation And Warehousing,
And Utilities
3.4%
3.2%
3.6%
1.08
0.94
Information 1.2% 1.3% 2.9% 0.89 0.42
Finance And Insurance, And Real
Estate, And Rental and Leasing
5.4%
3.8%
6.2%
1.41
0.87
Professional, Scientific, And
Management, And Administrative,
And Waste Management Services
7.0%
10.3%
17.8%
0.68
0.39
Educational Services, And Health
Care and Social Assistance
30.5%
23.9%
28.5%
1.28
1.07
Arts, Entertainment, And
Recreation, And Accommodation
and Food Services
14.2%
19.2%
8.8%
0.74
1.62
Other Services, Except Public
Administration
4.6%
3.8%
3.1%
1.22
1.50
Public Administration 5.0% 5.7% 4.0% 0.87 1.24
Source: Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD), “Employment and Wages,” (ES-202), 2021 Annual
Reports for Barnstable, Barnstable County, and Massachusetts.
Employment Base
A community’s employment base includes
its wage and salary jobs . People counted in
the employment base may or may not live in
Barnstable and the employment base does
not include self-employed people . Several
industries dominate employment in Barnstable:
Educational Services and Health Care and Social
Assistance (30.5 percent of local jobs); Retail
Trade (17.3 percent); and Arts, Entertainment,
and Recreation and Accommodation and Food
Services (14.2 percent). Leisure and hospitality
service industries are among the strongest in
Barnstable, but also have the lowest average
weekly wages . Compared to the weekly
wage average of $1,187 across industries for
Barnstable’s employment base, Accommodation
and Food Services workers earn $615, while
118 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan
P L AC E H O L D E R
Image caption here.
Retail Trade workers earn $798.115 These sectors
were also significantly affected by the COVID-19
pandemic and are also susceptible to other
economic shocks, particularly those that have an
outsized impact on tourism .
Location quotients (LQ) indicate the strength
of local industries by comparing a community’s
employment base with that of a larger
geographic area, called a “reference economy .”
The proportion of jobs in each industry in the
community weighted against the proportion of
jobs in those industries in the larger reference
economy results in a ratio that sheds light on
the unique employment characteristics of a
community. Generally, a ratio between 0.90 and
1.10 means the proportion of jobs per industry
is similar between the compared geographies,
and a ratio below 0.85 or over 1.15 points to
a noteworthy difference. The higher the ratio,
the stronger the industry is in the community .
Table 3 .5 reports location quotients for
Barnstable’s employment base, considering two
reference economies: Barnstable County and
Massachusetts.
For Barnstable, the LQs show some local
industries may be relatively weak compared to
one reference economy, yet strong compared to
the other. For example, Finance and Insurance,
Real Estate, Rental and Leasing is a strong local
industry in Barnstable compared to the county
(LQ: 1.41) but weaker when compared to the
state (LQ: 0.87). Arts, Entertainment, Recreation,
and Accommodation and Food Services in
Barnstable is weaker compared to the county (LQ:
0.74) but strong compared to the state (LQ: 1.62).
115 Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD), “Employment and Wages,” (ES-202), 2021 Annual Reports for
Barnstable, Barnstable County, and Massachusetts.
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 119
Monthly Employment Figure 3 .9 . Seasonal Shifts in Local Employment within Barnstable, 2021
29,000
28,000
27,000
26,000
25,000
23,999
24,308
25,473
26,329
27,603
28,611
28,312
26,678 26,573
26,173
25,998
23,000 23,776
Jan-21
Feb-21 Mar-21 Apr-21 May-21 Jun-21 Jul-21 Aug-21 Sep-21 Oct-21 Nov-21 Dec-21
Sources: Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD), “Employment and Wages,” (ES-202), 2021 Annual
Report for Barnstable
Seasonality of Employment Base
While these figures provide a yearly picture of
employment and wages in Barnstable, seasonal
fluctuations occur—more significantly for
some industries than others . Overall, there is
a marked increase in jobs within Barnstable
during the summer tourist season based on
ES202 Employment and Wage data from the
Massachusetts Department of Economic
Research . Figure 3 .9 shows that January 2021
had the lowest level of employment that year
at 23,776 jobs in Barnstable . By the July peak
there were 28,611 jobs, a 20 percent increase
compared to January . This seasonal trend is
even more pronounced in sectors that are
especially dependent on the tourism industry,
such as entertainment, retail, transportation, and
hospitality . While the retail industry sees a bump
in employment approaching the winter holiday
season, it does not match the strength and
growth of the peak summer season . Barnstable
County sees similar seasonal trends, with a 34
percent increase in jobs between a February 2021
low (79,019) and a July 2021 high (106,434).116
Employers
The ten largest employers in town are:
• Cape Cod Health:
2,548 employees
• Town of Barnstable:
1,331 employees
• Cape Cod Community College:
514 employees
• Cape Air:
306 employees
• Barnstable County:
250 employees
• Macy’s (2 stores):
230 employees
• The Cape Codder Resort & Spa:
200 employees
• Stop & Shop in Hyannis:
185 employees
• Stop & Shop in Marstons Mills:
161 employees
• Cape Cod Times:
135 employees117
116 Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD), “Employment and Wages,” (ES-202), 2021 Annual Reports for
Barnstable and Barnstable County.
117 Town of Barnstable Finance Department, Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the Year Ended June 30, 2022, p.157.
120 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan
Collectively, these ten employers represent a
quarter of the Town’s employment base, with Cape
Cod Health alone employing over 11 percent .118
Jobs to Workers
The ratio of the employment base (i.e., jobs in a
community) to the labor force (i.e., resident
workers) indicates whether a town serves as an
importer or exporter of jobs within a particular
industry and provides insight as to how easily
residents can find local employment in their
industries of choice. Where the ratio of available
jobs to residents who work in that industry is
higher than 1 .0, that industry is a net importer
of jobs to the community; conversely, where the
ratio is less than 1.0, there are more resident
workers in the industry than there are jobs
available, making the industry a net exporter of
jobs . Table 3 .6 shows that most industries are
net exporters of jobs, meaning more residents
leave town to work in their industry . The top
three net importers of jobs are Retail Trade; Arts,
Entertainment, Recreation, and Accommodation
and Food Services; and Educational Services,
Table 3 .6 . Jobs to Resident Workers
Description # Local
Jobs
# Resident
Workers
Difference
Ratio
Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting, And Mining
181
143
38
1.266
Construction 1,559 3,311 -1752 0.471
Manufacturing 770 1,460 -690 0.527
Wholesale Trade 520 575 -55 0.904
Retail Trade 4,519 2,907 1612 1.555
Transportation And Warehousing, And Utilities 895 919 -24 0.974
Information 313 514 -201 0.609
Finance And Insurance, And Real Estate, And Rental
and Leasing
1,408
1,669
-261
0.844
Professional, Scientific, And Management, And
Administrative, And Waste Management Services
1828
3,056
-1228
0.598
Educational Services, And Health Care and Social
Assistance
7,973
6,295
1678
1.267
Arts, Entertainment, And Recreation, And
Accommodation and Food Services
3,701
2,633
1068
1.406
Other Services, Except Public Administration 1,211 1,543 -332 0.785
Public Administration 1,302 1,410 -108 0.923
Source: Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD), “Employment and Wages,” (ES-202), 2021 Annual Report for Barnstable; US Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates 2017–2021, Table C24050.
118 Ibid.
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 121
Table 3 .7 . Means of Transportation to Work
Out of every 100 working Barnstable residents… Out of every 100 workers in Barnstable…
74 drive alone
79 drive alone
10 carpool 8 carpool
1 takes public transportation 0–1 take public transportation
3 walk 3 walk
1-2 take some other means of transportation 0–1 take some other means of transportation
10 work from home 9 work from home
Source: US Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates 2017–2021, Tables B08301 and B08406
Health Care and Social Assistance . These
industries largely align with Barnstable’s largest
employers described in the previous section.
Commuting Patterns
As shown previously in Table 3 .3, Barnstable has
a higher crossover between its labor force and
employment base than most Cape communities,
with an estimated 54 percent of its employed
residents working in town. This is also reflected
in commuter patterns shown in the Census
Bureau’s Commuting Flows, which are derived
from American Community Survey data . While
the most recently available Commuting Flows
data are based on the 2011–2015 ACS, they still
support this finding, showing that an estimated
51 .9 percent of working residents commute
within Barnstable. The next largest destination
for Barnstable residents is Yarmouth, where 13 .0
percent of residents work, followed by Mashpee
at 4 .6 percent . Inbound commuters going to
work in Barnstable come from a similar profile
of Cape and regional communities, reflecting
Barnstable’s position as the Cape’s major hub.
Barnstable residents make up an estimated
45 .6 percent of the town’s employment base,
with Yarmouth residents accounting for 11.6
percent and Sandwich residents making up 7 .5
percent .119 Barnstable residents and the workers
employed in Barnstable most commonly drive
alone to work for transportation, as shown in
Table 3 .7 .
Economic Development Resources
Education and Workforce Development
The Cape & Islands Workforce Board (CIWB)
is a private non-profit corporation responsible for
overseeing all publicly funded vocational
education and training programs serving the
entire Cape and the Islands. As their name
suggests, CIWB covers all the communities in
Barnstable, Dukes, and Nantucket counties. The
CIWB is one of sixteen workforce boards across
Massachusetts, all of which work in collaboration
with the US Department of Labor’s One Stop
Career Center system . These workforce boards
carry out the mandates of the federal Workforce
Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).120
119 US Census Bureau, 2011–2015 5-Year ACS Commuting Flows.
120 Cape and Islands Workforce Board, “About.” Accessed March 2023 at https://masshire-capeandislandswb.com/about/
122 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan
The CIWB’s Board of Directors includes a range
of members representing various affiliations,
including the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce,
Cape Cod Community College, two regional
technical high schools, the MA Department of
Transitional Assistance, and many more.121
The CIWB recently issued its WIOA Local Plan for
Fiscal Years 2022–2025, which identified health-
care and social assistance; construction; profes-
sional, scientific, and technical services; and
hospitality/tourism as the industries most vital
to the region’s economic health . The group also
highlighted the importance of the Blue Economy,
which refers to industries dependent or related
to the ocean like fishing, marinas, environmental
conservation, and boat charters.122 The plan also
noted the following challenges of the Cape &
Islands workforce area:
• There is a lack of regional transportation
options, with limited transit and bus service.
• The Cape and Islands is the oldest regional
labor market in the state; which can result in
a depleted workforce and limited possibility
for the expansion of pipeline growth.
• Housing costs remain high and inventory low .
• The Cape and Islands region has a
limited number of training providers within
the region .123
The CIWB’s 2018 Regional Workforce Blueprint
is included as an appendix to the WIOA Local
Plan. This blueprint noted existing shortages in
several industries: food preparation and service;
building and grounds cleaning maintenance;
personal care and service occupations in the
health care sector; office and administrative
support occupations in the health care sector;
and education, training, and library occupa-
tions.124 Looking into the future, the CIWB WIOA
Local Plan prioritizes hospitality, healthcare, and
construction as three core industries given their
growth among regional occupations and their
ability to support the Blue Economy .125
Business Barnstable
Like its cultural counterpart Arts Barnstable,
Business Barnstable is Town-sponsored
program supported by the Planning &
Development Department . This resource acts
as a recruitment tool for drawing businesses
to Barnstable and includes an online directory
of assistance, resources, grants, and incentives
for businesses, information about housing
opportunities, and a GIS-based commercial site
finder, plans and reports. In Spring 2023 the
website received roughly 4,000 visits per month
and the Business Barnstable Newsletter has
more than 1,000 subscribers .
Regulatory Tools
Commercial Districts
Barnstable’s seven villages provide a wide range
of commercial and industrial district settings for
businesses . The commercial and industrial
districts are designated by the Town’s zoning
ordinances . All of the villages contain commer-
cially zoned land parcels, though Cotuit only has
121 Cape and Islands Workforce Board, “Board of Directors.” Accessed March 2023 at
https://masshire-capeandislandswb.com/about/board-of-directors/
122 Cape and Islands Workforce Board, WIOA Local Plan, Fiscal Years 2022–2025, p.4–5. Available at
https://masshire-capeandislandswb.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/MassHire-CIWB-FY22-25-WIOA-Local-4-Year-Plan.pdf
123 Ibid., p.15
124 Cape and Islands Workforce Board, The Cape & Islands Regional Workforce Blueprint, 2018, p11. Available as an Appendix
within the WIOA Local Plan referenced above.
125 Ibid., p.18–19
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 123
one commercial parcel in this classification, adja-
cent to Marstons Mills and connected to one of
its commercial districts . The main industrial zone
is in Hyannis and Barnstable Village, centered
on an area near the airport north of Route 132
and south of Route 6, the Mid-Cape Highway .
The largest commercial district is in Hyannis,
centered on downtown and westward down
Main Street toward Barnstable High School . Job
intensity is strongest in Hyannis and along the
Route 132/Route 28 corridor .
Growth Incentive Zone
The Downtown Hyannis Growth Incentive Zone
serves to encourage a concentrated mix of
residential and commercial uses within Hyannis.
Certain projects within the GIZ are exempt from
Cape Cod Commission regulatory review . The
Town’s GIZ was enacted in 2006, extended in
2016, and re-designated in 2018 .126
Regulatory Agreements
Chapter 168 of the Town’s General Ordinances
outlines the Town’s procedures for Regulatory
Agreements, flexible tools that allow develop-
ment that would otherwise be prohibited by
zoning and streamline the permitting process. In
return, developers agree to provide benefits to
the Town, including infrastructure, land preserva-
tion, affordable housing, or other resources that
enhance both the development and the Town .
Regulatory Agreements require Planning Board
and Town Council approval and can occur in areas
designated on the Regulatory Agreement Districts
Map, most recently updated in 2018 .127
Business Improvement District
Established in 1999 as authorized under M .G .L .
Chapter 40O, the Hyannis Main Street Business
Improvement District is a special assessment
district whereby a common area fee is levied
on properties within its boundaries to finance
supplemental enhancements above the baseline
provided by municipal services . The Hyannis
Main Street BID has used these funds to organize
and sponsor events, support the addition of a
police station to Main Street, work with home-
less social programs, leverage funding for new
lights, support maintenance and beautification
projects including flower planters and seasonal
street decorations, increase and improve signs
and banners along Main Street, and more .128
Taxes and Finances
In addition to offering a lower tax rate for
commercial and industrial properties, Barnstable
enters into Tax Increment Financing (TIF)
agreements on a case-by-case basis to support
investment for development and redevelopment
projects. Participating businesses may receive
state tax credits or local property tax incentives
in exchange for a commitment to new job
creation, existing job retention, and private
investment in the project .129
In addition, the Hyannis Opportunity Zone
provides federal tax incentives for private enti-
ties to reinvest capital gains into projects within
the federally designated area .
126 Business Barnstable, “Growth Incentive Zone (GIZ).” Accessed March 2023 at
https://businessbarnstable.com/growth-incentive-zone-giz/
127 Business Barnstable, “Regulatory Agreements.” Accessed March 2023 at
https://businessbarnstable.com/regulatory-agreements/
128 Hyannis Main Street, “BID Programs.” Accessed March 2023 at
http://www.hyannismainstreet.com/hyannis-main-street-business-improvement-district/bid-programs/
129 Business Barnstable, “Economic Development Incentive Program (EDIP).” Accessed March 2023 at
https://businessbarnstable.com/economic-development-incentive-program-edip/
124 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan
Housing
Overview
Barnstable’s housing environment is largely
defined by its seasonal economy, natural
resources, demographic trends, and regional
market forces .
Housing Types
An estimated 85 percent of Barnstable’s housing
stock is single-family units, most of which are
detached homes . Because most of Barnstable’s
multifamily housing is in Hyannis, the split there is
more even, with 60 percent of units being single-
family and 40 percent multi-family.130 Map 3 .7
displays housing units by type based on Fiscal Year
2022 Assessor’s records and shows the spread of
single-family units throughout town, and Table 3 .8
shows housing types by land use code .131 Many of
the properties with multiple homes on one parcel
are in waterfront areas along the coast and on
major ponds, while multifamily housing is more
concentrated in Hyannis .
Housing Trends and Needs
Seasonal Housing
According to the Town’s assessing data, there
is a total of 23,676 housing units in Barnstable,
excluding apartment units, as of June 2023. Of
the total housing units, 11,631 residential
properties receive residential exemption.132 The
remaining 12,045 properties do not receive
a residential exemption; the total percentage
of homes in Barnstable that are not occupied
by year-round homeowners could be as high
Table 3 .8 . Residential Land Uses by Parcel
Parcels Percent
Single Family
21,068
88.1%
Condos 1,746 7.3%
Two Family 248 1.0%
Three Family 25 0.1%
Multiple Houses on One
Parcel
556
2.3%
Apartments 4-8 Units 69 0.3%
Apartments More Than
8 Units
29
0.1%
Mixed Use with Some
Residential
93
0.4%
Housing Authority 82 0.3%
Total 23,916
Source: FY2022 Assessor’s Records, Town of Barnstable, via
MassGIS
as 50 .8 percent . The rate of second homes in
Massachusetts is 4.1 percent and the rate for all
Barnstable County is 36 .3 percent .133 This varies
significantly across communities on Cape Cod,
as shown in Figure 3 .10 . All of the Outer Cape
(Eastham, Wellfleet, Truro, and Provincetown),
Orleans on the Lower Cape, and Dennis on the
Mid Cape all have more second homes than
first homes. For purposes of reporting to the
US Census Bureau, these second homes are
considered vacant, which means communities
with a higher share of second homes appear to
have high vacancy rates . Thus, while Barnstable’s
total vacancy rate is an estimated 27.1 percent,
130 US Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates 2017–2021, Table B25024.
131 Differences between the Assessor’s records and ACS estimates occur because the Assessor’s records are based on
individual properties, some of which have multiple units in multifamily buildings, whereas the ACS estimates are based on
the units themselves.
132 Housing Units Data and Residential Exemption provided by R. Lane Partridge, Director of Assessing.
133 US Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates 2017–2021, Table B25004.
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 125
Commented [KM1]: I am a broken record player when I
insist that the majority (more than 2/3) of the recent (past 15
years) multi-family housing development is not in Hyannis
but is in Precinct 1, and impacts Barnstable Fire & Water
District and BWB Elementary School. Development in this
area negatively impacts the Barnstable Harbor and Lewis
Bay watersheds, as well as potentially Barnstable Water
District wellheads and more.
Massachusetts Barnstable County Barnstable Bourne Brewster Chatham Dennis Eastha,m Falmouth Harwich Mashpee Orleans Provincetown Sandwich Truro Wellfleet Yarmouth Figure 3 .10 . Percent Year-Round Housing Units vs . Second Homes
100%
75%
50%
25%
0%
25%
50%
75%
Year-Round Housing Units (Occupied and Vacant)
Second Homes (Units for Seasonal, Recreational, or Occassional Use)
Source: ACS 5-Year Estimates, 2017–2021 Table B25004
vacancy rates for year-round units are estimated
at 1 .2 percent for ownership units and 8 .2
percent for rental units .134
As of May 2023, short-term rentals compose
approximately 3.5 percent of Barnstable’s total
housing units, excluding apartments. In August
2022, the peak value for actively advertised
short-term rentals was 818 rentals . Of the
nearly 800 rentals actively advertised in July
2022, 39 percent were in Hyannis, 22 percent in
Centerville, 13 percent in Osterville, 10 percent
in Barnstable Village, 7 percent in Cotuit, 6
percent in Marstons Mills, and 3 percent in West
Barnstable .135 Since short-term rental taxes were
implemented on July 1, 2019, the Town has
collected over $3million in tax revenue. Short-
term rental tax revenues totaled $528,735 in
FY2020, $1,512,208 in FY2021, and $1,729,592
in FY2022 .136
Single Family Homes137
Table 3 .9 includes information about the Town’s
detached single-family homes, which represent
most of Barnstable’s housing stock . Seventy-one
percent of existing single-family homes in
Barnstable were built between 1960 and 2000,
coinciding with a boom in population growth on
Cape Cod during this time. The average lot size,
building area, number of rooms, and building
height were at their smallest from 1940 until
1980 when these features began trending back
134 US Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates 2007–2011, 2012–2016, and 2017–2021,
Tables B25003 and B25004.
135 STR Values provided by Jeff Carter, Deputy Director, Building Division, taken from Host Compliance.
136 Tax revenues provided by Mark Milne, Director of Finance.
137 This section is based upon data from FY2022 Assessor’s Records for the Town of Barnstable, accessed via MassGIS.
126 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan
1,991
1,404
619 495 417 346 170 135
Table 3 .9 . Summary of Single-Family Homes in Barnstable
Year Built
Entries
Average
#
Rooms
Average
Stories
Average
Res.
Building
Area
Average
Lot Size
(Acres)
Average
Total
Assessed
Value
Average
IVLVR
%
Homes
with
IVLVR
<1.0
Most
Common
Style
Pre-1865 404 8 .3 1 .8 2,501 1 .22 $824,705 1 .10 27% Conventional
1865-1899 269 8 .3 1 .8 2,398 0 .87 $1,035,818 0 .79 48% Conventional
1900–1919 392 7 .4 1 .7 2,188 1 .11 $1,024,650 0 .67 49% Conventional
1920–1939 1,041 6 .7 1 .6 1,810 0 .68 $769,009 0 .75 38% Conventional
1940–1959 2,282 6 .1 1 .3 1,544 0 .53 $547,317 0 .98 26% Ranch
1960–1979 7,473 6 .3 1 .3 1,598 0 .53 $473,799 1 .71 8% Ranch
1980–1999 7,491 6 .6 1 .5 1,931 0 .75 $593,035 1 .92 5% Cape Cod
2000–2021 1,712 7 .4 1 .7 2,843 0 .94 $1,202,954 1 .60 10% Cape Cod
Source: FY2022 Assessor’s Records, Town of Barnstable, via MassGIS
Figure 3 .11 . Styles of Single Family Homes in Barnstable
7,500
7,753 7,734
6,000
4,500
3,000
1,500
Source: FY2022 Assessor's Records, Town of Barnstable, via MassGIS
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 127
25
upward again as the Cape-style home became
more popular than smaller ranch homes .
Assessed values on average are highest for older
homes built before 1920 and again from 2000
onward . However, the source of the higher
assessed values differs between the older and
newer housing stock; in older homes, the value
tends to be associated with the land, as many
of these homes are built on larger lots closer
to the coast while the buildings themselves
may not hold much value compared to newer
buildings . Many newer homes built in the 2000s
are much larger on average (although very old
19th century homes also were quite large), and
90 percent of these single-family homes have
improvement value to land value ratios (IVLVR)
over 1 .0 . “Improvements” on assessed proper-
ties refers to everything but the land—buildings,
structures, driveways, etc. When the IVLVR is
above 1 .0, the value of the building and other
improvements is greater than the land itself;
conversely, when the IVLVR is below 1.0, the land
value exceeds building value. The latter is fairly
common on older homes located in desirable
areas of a community, as is true for Barnstable .
In Barnstable, properties holding comparatively
greater land value are more commonly found
among homes built before 1960, likely because
these homes would have been developed on the
“easier” or otherwise desirable areas first, and
are also more common in coastal areas (see Map
3 .8, Map 3 .9, and Table 3 .9).
Despite the apparent high number of
“conventional”-style homes based on Table
3 .9, the most common styles among single
family homes are Cape- and ranch-style homes
due to the popularity of the style during the
times when population growth increased
the most rapidly in Barnstable . Figure 3 .11
shows the popularity of different styles among
Barnstable’s single-family homes .
Figure 3 .12 . Residential Building Permits, 2012–2021
Demolitions Rebuilds New Dwellings
100
90
80
70
60 56
50 40
20
22 10
94
83
65
64 48
49
26 28
19
77
71
63
58 56
50 60
43 38 47 33
28
29 29
24
19 18
0
2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
Town of Barnstable Annual Reports
128 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan
Unit Size & Household Size
On average, Barnstable homes currently have
more bedrooms than the number of people
living within the homes. An estimated 68
percent of Barnstable households are one or
two people, and 69 percent of the Town’s homes
have at least three bedrooms . This discrepancy
is more apparent among owner households; an
estimated 70 percent of households are one or
two people while 81 percent of the owner-occu-
pied units have at least three bedrooms .138
Development
As discussed in the Land Use and Development
Trends section, overall new residential
development has slowed since 2000, which
matches a slower period of population growth
in addition to the Town’s 2001 adoption of the
Growth Management Ordinance .139 Renovations
and additions remain popular, with an average
of 1,490 building permits for renovations or
additions issued during the ten-year period
from 2012–2021.140 In the five-year period from
2017–2021, demolition permits exceeded new
dwelling permits each year, with an average
of 58 demolition permits issued annually from
2012–2021. Rebuilds lag somewhat behind
demolitions, with an average of less than one
rebuild permit for every two demolition permits
issued from 2012–2021. Figure 3 .12 displays
these trends over a ten-year period from
2012–2021.
Tenure & Income
The Town saw an estimated 3 percent increase
in renter-occupied housing between 2011 and
2021 based on ACS estimates.141 Across the
Cape, about four of every five households own
their own homes (80.8 percent), whereas in
Barnstable, three of every four households
(75.6 percent) own their homes. While renter
households in Barnstable increased from 4,686
to 4,809 households, across the county, renter
households dropped from 19,531 to 18,864 .142
Barnstable incomes largely follow county trends,
and that includes a stark contrast in the incomes
of homeowner and renter households . Figure
3 .12 illustrates that in 2011, more than a third
of renter households had incomes less than
$25,000; in 2021, the proportion of renter house-
holds earning less than $25,000 has dropped
between seven and eight percentage points for
the Town and county alike . In 2021, there were
significantly fewer renters in the income groups
below $50,000 in Barnstable and throughout
Barnstable County, but the Town saw gains of
even greater proportion in the highest income
group . This suggests that low-income renters are
being priced out of the rental market . Growth in
gross median rent confirms this trend: while the
county saw an average increase of 28 .1 percent
in gross median rent, Barnstable’s increase
notably outpaced the county’s at 40 .3 percent .143
Median gross rent does not fully show the strains
placed on those renting market rate units, as the
median gross rent includes rent paid by those in
affordable units or with other subsidies.
138 US Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates 2017–2021, Tables B25009 and B25042.
139 As noted in the Land Use and Development Trends section, the limit on building permits issued annually under the Growth
Management Ordinance has not been met or exceeded since its adoption.
140 Data provided by the Town of Barnstable Building Department
141 US Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates 2007–2011, 2012–2016, and 2017–2021, Table B25003.
142 US Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates 2007–2011, 2012–2016, and 2017–2021, Table B25118.
143 US Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates 2007–2011, 2012–2016, and 2017–2021, Table B25064.
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 129
Figure 3 .13 . Household Income Distribution 2011–2021 for Barnstable and Barnstable County
(Inflation-Adjusted)
40%
30%
20%
10%
Owner
Renter
Owner
Renter
Owner
Renter
Owner
Renter
2011 2021 2011 2021
Barnstable County Barnstable
Less than $25,000 13.7% 37.1% 9.0% 29.3% 13.7% 34.8% 7.5% 27.3%
$25,000–$49,999 20.6% 31.9% 14.4% 25.7% 19.0% 29.0% 13.4% 23.4%
$50,000–$74,999 19.7% 15.4% 16.1% 17.2% 21.0% 14.7% 17.9% 20.9%
$75,000–$99,999 16.0% 8.4% 13.2% 11.7% 16.4% 11.2% 12.1% 7.6%
$100,000–$149,999 16.9% 5.1% 19.9% 9.0% 16.7% 8.1% 21.8% 8.8%
$150,000 or more 13.1% 2.1% 27.4% 7.0% 13.2% 2.1% 27.3% 11.9%
Source: ACS 5-Year Estimates 2007–2011 and 2017–2021, Table B25118
Those looking to purchase a home in Barnstable
are similarly faced with rising costs, with the
median sales price of a single-family home in
Barnstable growing 26 percent between 2020
and 2021 .144 Nonetheless, renter households
are more likely to experience need, with one in
three Barnstable homeowners considered cost-
burdened compared to one in two renters . In
Barnstable, 35 percent of households are
spending more than 30 percent of their monthly
income on housing costs . For low- and moder-
ate-income earners, this number jumps to an
estimated 64 percent.145
Affordable Housing
Subsidized Housing Inventory – Under M .G .L .
Chapter 40B, an affordable housing unit has its
affordability secured for households earning at
or below 80 percent of the Area Median Income
(AMI) by a long-term use restriction and is
made available to eligible households through
an approved affirmative marketing plan that
meets Department of Housing and Community
Development (DHCD) guidelines.
Upon approval by DHCD, housing that meets
these requirements is added to the Subsidized
Housing Inventory (SHI), a list of housing units
that “count” toward a community’s 10 percent
statutory minimum of affordable year-round
144 Banker & Tradesman/The Warren Group. “Town Stats: Barnstable, MA – Median Sales Price – Calendar Year.” Report pulled
March 2023. The median sales price for a single-family home in Barnstable for 2020 was $539,500 compared to $680,000 in
2021 and $775,000 in 2022.
145 US Department of Housing and Urban Development, Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy (CHAS) data, 2015–2019.
130 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan
What is Cost Burden?
Cost burden is defined as paying more than 30 percent of one’s household income
toward select housing costs (including utilities), while severe cost burden is
defined as paying more than 50 percent.
This metric is particularly important for understanding the needs of low-to-
moderate income households, defined as those earning no more than 80 percent
of the Area Median Income (AMI), determined annually by the U.S. Department of
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the region.
units under Chapter 40B . The percentage
is determined by dividing the number of
SHI-eligible affordable units by the number of
year-round housing units based upon the most
recent decennial Census . Because Census 2020
year-round housing counts are not yet available,
DHCD still uses 2010 Census figures.
In 2022, 7.23 percent (1,485 units) of
Barnstable’s year-round housing stock was
included on the Town’s Subsidized Housing
Inventory (SHI). A total of 103 properties are
single units permitted through the Town’s
Accessory Affordable Apartment Program. Under
this program, the Town permits the unit through
a Comprehensive Permit through the Zoning
Board of Appeals . That unit is rent-restricted and
is rented to low- and moderately low-income
households via DHCD’s income guidelines .
Barnstable Housing Authority – The Barnstable
Housing Authority (BHA), based in Hyannis,
manages and operates local public housing and
housing voucher programs to provide safe and
affordable rental housing for eligible families,
elderly individuals, and people with disabilities.
Public housing programs include rental units
owned and managed by the BHA, as well as
voucher programs that subsidize household rents
paid to private landlords . The Barnstable Housing
Authority owns a total of 376 housing units, with
103 affordable family units, 221 affordable units
dedicated to elderly and young disabled people,
and 52 units for special needs housing throughout
town. In addition to these properties, the BHA
also manages nine affordable family units for
Cape Ministry and facilitates over 650 subsidies
for state and federal programs . Eligibility for the
range of Barnstable Housing Authority programs
is determined through an application process
that accounts for characteristics including gross
annual income, age, ability, and citizenship.
Families are granted the highest priority based on
application criteria to direct limited resources to
those experiencing intense need. Residents may
stay in public housing or voucher programs as
long as they continue meeting eligibility criteria
and comply with leases but may choose to leave if
affordable housing becomes available through the
private market .
During the recently completed consultation
process for the development of Barnstable
County’s HOME-ARP Allocation Plan, the BHA
reported that they had 845 applications for
the local lists they manage, with a need for all
bedroom sizes and all ages. This is in addition
to applicants for BHA housing from the state’s
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 131
The Importance of the Year-Round Housing Count under Chapter 40B
Communities with a high share of second homes conversely have a lower share
of year-round units. For purposes of calculating a community’s percentage of
affordable units under M.G.L. Chapter 40B, the Department of Housing and
Community Development (DHCD) determines the year-round housing count by
subtracting units considered vacant because they are for “seasonal, recreational,
or occasional use” from the total housing unit count. In communities that do not
have a strong tourism-based economy or a high share of second homeowners,
the year-round housing count does not differ markedly from the total housing
unit count, however, for much of Cape Cod, the difference is significant.
online waiting list, which was up to 14,305
applicants, including 7,224 families applying for
1–4-bedroom units, 490 congregate applicants,
1,178 elderly applicants, and 1,942 disabled
applicants . There were also 6,904 applicants for
BHA’s Alternative Housing Voucher Program (for
young disabled) at the time of the consultation
process .146, 147 Due to the state’s use of a central-
ized waiting list, these numbers could represent
households from off Cape Cod, and there is no
way to determine exactly how long applicants
will be waiting for a unit.
Homelessness – In February 2022, the Cape
Cod & Islands Continuum of Care conducted
its annual Point in Time (PIT) count, a
HUD-mandated one-night annual snapshot of
homelessness within a designated geography .
The 2022 PIT count identified 250 individuals
experiencing homelessness in Barnstable, out
of a total of 397 individuals throughout the
Cape & Islands . While most of those counted
were either in emergency shelter or transitional
housing, there were 12 unsheltered individuals
in Hyannis (Figure 3 .14).148
During the consultation process for the
HOME-ARP Allocation plan, numerous providers
spoke to the challenges with the PIT count and
its unreliability as a measure of need. In addition
to it only accounting for one night, it fails to
capture households who are “couch surfing”
or doubling up with another family, nor does
it include those who are homeless but staying in
a hotel or motel at their own expense. The
Homeless Management Information System
(HMIS) provides additional insight, as it includes
client-level data for participants enrolled
in programs to support homeless or at-risk
populations. One such HUD program is called
146 Barnstable County HOME Consortium, HOME-ARP Allocation Plan, March 2023 Draft for HUD Submission, p.45. Prepared for
Barnstable County by Barrett Planning Group LLC.
147 The HOME-ARP program was authorized under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 and allocated $5 billion to fund shelter,
housing, and services for homeless and at-risk populations. Jurisdictions participating in the federal HOME Investment
Partnerships Program, a block grant program to fund low-to-moderate income housing, are eligible to receive HOME-ARP funds
upon successful HUD approval of an Allocation Plan. Barnstable County is eligible to receive $1.5M under HOME-ARP.
148 MA-503 Cape Cod and Islands CoC, 2022 PIT Count Location Summary
132 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan
Figure 3 .14 . Homeless Individuals in
Barnstable, 2022
81 Transitional Housing
74 Emergency Shelter – Family
73 Emergency Shelter – Individual
12 Unsheltered
10 Emergency Shelter – Motel
Source: 2022 PIT Count, Cape Cod & Islands Continuum
of Care
Street Outreach, which is designed to meet the
immediate needs of unsheltered homeless popu-
lation by providing non-facility-based care. The
Housing Assistance Corporation (HAC) adminis-
ters one of two Street Outreach programs on the
Cape & Islands, with Vinfen administering the
second . HAC reported that their Street Outreach
program had 205 unduplicated clients from
October 2021 to October 2022—much higher
than the 35 unsheltered individuals reported on
the night of the PIT count .149 While presumably
not all 205 clients were in Barnstable, the
significant difference between the PIT and HAC’s
Street Outreach program indicate that the actual
unsheltered count in Barnstable is likely much
higher than twelve .
School districts provide additional data on
homelessness, as they are required to report
the number of homeless students to the
Department of Elementary and Secondary
Education each year to ensure compliance
with federal laws relating to the education of
homeless youth. Under the McKinney-Vento
Act, school districts must provide resources
to ensure the education of homeless youth
enrolled in the district, including transportation
to and from the district they were enrolled in
prior to becoming homeless. For the 2021–2022
academic year, there were 107 homeless youth
enrolled in the Barnstable Public Schools . Under
McKinney-Vento, students who are doubling up
with another family or staying in a hotel/motel
without a voucher are considered homeless . This
definition does not qualify them as homeless for
purposes of the PIT count, which explains why
the number of homeless youths reported by the
school districts is higher than the PIT count .150
Resources to Address Housing Needs
Barnstable has numerous local and regional
resources for implementation of affordable
housing initiatives including Barnstable Housing
Authority, Barnstable Council on Aging, Cape
Cod Commission, and multiple nonprofit
organizations. Barnstable has access to a wide
range of affordable housing advocates and
experts working with the homeless, seniors,
149 Barnstable County HOME Consortium, HOME-ARP Allocation Plan, March 2023 Draft for HUD Submission, p.27. Prepared for
Barnstable County by Barrett Planning Group LLC.
150 Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, 2021–2022 McKinney Vento Homeless Data Report.
Report shared by email from the Department on September 20, 2022.
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 133
victims of domestic abuse, and the disabled, as
well as families and other individuals in need of
affordable housing.151
Local Resources
The Housing and Community Development
Program and the Accessory Affordable Apartment
Program are housed under the umbrella of
the Barnstable Planning and Development
Department. Specific initiatives of the Housing
& Community Development Program including
affordable housing preservation and produc-
tion, Community Development Block Grant
Administration, promoting home ownership
opportunities, and administration of the Housing
Development Incentive Program, a Gateway
Cities program offering tax relief for the creation
of market-rate rental units. Since its inception
in 2000, the Accessory Affordable Apartment
Program’s main objective has been to use existing
housing stock to provide affordable housing.
Other municipal housing strategies include zoning
initiatives, such as the adoption of a town-wide
Accessory Dwelling Unit ordinance and revisions
to the Downtown Hyannis zoning districts (the
Growth Incentive Zone) to promote mixed use
and multi-family development. This Program
also partners with other Town departments to
explore appropriate uses of municipal property
for affordable housing.
Barnstable Housing Authority was established
in 1948 and is not only an important partner in
developing in new units of affordable housing
for individuals and families, but also managing
such units and administering important rental
subsidies that enable lower-income families
and individuals to remain in the community by
renting units in the private housing stock.
Barnstable Housing Committee’s purpose is
to promote the production and preservation
of balanced housing resources that address
the unmet needs of the Town of Barnstable .
In addition to the Local Action Unit work, the
Housing Committee is currently working on
an Inclusionary Zoning Feasibility Analysis,
partnering on updating the Housing Production
Plan, and exploring a tax exemption for those
who participate in the Affordable Accessory
Apartment program .
Barnstable Affordable Housing Growth &
Development Trust Fund provides funding for
the preservation and creation of affordable
housing in the Town of Barnstable for the benefit
of low- and moderate-income households .
Community Preservation Committee (CPC) is
charged with recommending the expenditure
of funds generated from the Community
Preservation Act that was approved by the resi-
dents of the Town of Barnstable in 2005 . The CPC
has priorities related to housing that includeing
but not limited to affordable rental projects in
areas outside of Hyannis, projects that propose
the creation of affordable and community housing
homeownership units in Hyannis, projects that
convert existing buildings and structures into new
affordable/community housing units, and projects
that provide housing to vulnerable populations
and offer supportive services.152 The Committee
also works with the Town’s Affordable Housing
Trust to actively promote and produce community
housing projects.
Barnstable Council on Aging is a Town
department that supports the quality of life of
the community’s elderly through a wide variety
of services .
151 Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, 2021–2022 McKinney Vento Homeless Data Report.
Report shared by email from the Department on September 20, 2022, p. 115.
152 Town of Barnstable Community Preservation Committee Annual Plan, Fiscal Year 2022, p.11–12
134 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan
Commented [KM2]: Community Preservation Comm:
Second sentence: The CPC has priorities related to housing
that include but are not… Also, there should be a mention
here of how the CPC works with the Affordable Housing
Trust to actively promote and produce community housing
projects.
Formatted: Font: 12 pt, Condensed by 0.25 pt, Not
Raised by / Lowered by
Regional Resources
The Cape Cod Commission supports the
advancement of regional efforts to create
affordable housing and support housing where
appropriate through the facilitation of a Regional
Housing Market Analysis and by drafting model
zoning (such as the model bylaw for ADUs).
Barnstable County HOME Consortium consists
of the 15 communities on Cape Cod and is
eligible to receive and disburse federal HOME
funds, which are federal formula grant funds
provided to state and local governments
exclusively for the creation and preservation of
affordable housing for low-income households.
Housing Assistance Corporation was founded in
1974 to provide rental vouchers to year-round
workers on Cape Cod; it expanded over the
years to include the Cape, Nantucket, and
Martha’s Vineyard. HAC serves more than 6,000
households each year in three main areas:
homeless prevention, housing stabilization, and
empowerment .153
Habitat for Humanity of Cape Cod is an ecumen-
ical, nonprofit Christian ministry dedicated to
building simple, decent homes in partnership
with families in need .
Barnstable County Human Services coordinates
regional work on homelessness and administers
grant-funded programs of regional impact . This
County Department has recently taken over
administration and oversight of the HOME
Program funds on behalf of the Barnstable
County HOME Consortium.
Cape and Islands Regional Network on
Homelessness carries out the responsibilities of
the HUD Continuum of Care Program.
The Community Action Committee of Cape
Cod and the Islands, Inc. efforts are focused
primarily in the areas of access to health
insurance and care, immigration resources,
coordinating subsidized food (SNAP) assistance,
income tax preparation, emergency assistance,
seasonal assistance, and an emergency shelter
for women and children .
Homeless Prevention Council’s mission is to
provide personalized case management
solutions to promote stability for all those who
live in the Lower Cape communities.
Located in Hyannis, Living Independently
Forever (LIFE), Inc. is a private, nonprofit
organization that provides support and
resources in the areas of vocation, education,
social and community involvement, and daily
living, encouraging each resident’s aspirations,
strengths, and abilities.
CapeAbilities (formerly Nauset, Inc.) provides
housing, jobs, and therapeutic services for
individuals with developmental disabilities on
the Cape .
The Cape Head Injured Persons’ (CHIP) Housing
and Education Group provides support and
assistance for head-injured residents of Cape
Cod and is committed to providing communi-
ty-based housing for these individuals .
Champ Homes provides multi-generational
housing for individuals who are physically
disabled, in recovery from drug or alcohol abuse,
mentally ill, or have other assorted needs .
153 Housing Assistance Corporation, “About Housing Assistance Corporation.” Accessed March 2023 at
https://haconcapecod.org/about/
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 135
CHAPTER 4
Land Use
Vision Statement
» Incentivize redevelopment and encourage new
development toward locations with adequate
infrastructure and away from environmentally
sensitive areas town-wide.
» Protect and improve the quality and quantity of our
drinking water .
» Prepare and adapt to climate impacts including sea
level rise .
Commented [KM1]: VISION STATEMENT #6:
Build on our outstanding recreational opportunities and
enhance access to open spaces while also ensuring no
environmental harm as recommended by the open space and
recreation plan.
Build on our outstanding recreational opportunities and enhance access
to open spaces while also ensuring no environmental harm as
recommended by the open space and recreation plan.
148 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan
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Image caption here. Praesent commodo cursus magna.
149
4 Land Use
Why Land Use Matters
Land use and development lives at the
intersection of natural, built, and community
systems . Decisions about land use directly impact
the protection of our sensitive environmental
areas and waterbodies; the most efficient,
effective, and resilient locations for development,
redevelopment, and infrastructure; and where
people live and work, how they can travel from
place to place, and how they interact with one
another in a community .
This section acknowledges that change is
inevitable . In some places, change should be
managed to protect environmental, historic,
and cultural resources and long-term public
health and wellbeing . In other places, change
should be managed to help provide space for
the types of development the Town needs to
thrive into the future, including addressing the
local housing crisis and supporting a vibrant mix
of employment opportunities. This section looks
at anticipated changes across this spectrum
and identifies strategies needed to successfully
manage conservation, redevelopment, infill, and
economic opportunities.
This section provides direction for town-wide
land use issues, as well as direction around
different land use types, ranging from natural
and rural landscapes to denser commercial
corridors and town and village centers .
Please see the Land Use and Development section
(under Section 2: Built Systems) of the Existing
Conditions Report for information on existing land
use, development trends, and the Town’s current
land use management tools and policies.
Land Use Actions Since 2010
The Town of Barnstable last adopted its Local
Comprehensive Plan in 2010 . A great deal of work
was put into the development of that plan, and
it has been actively implemented over the past
fourteen years . Below is a high-level overview of
some notable implementation achievements.
Zoning
As will be discussed further below, one of the
most important components of the Land Use
chapter is to identify areas of town where
contextually appropriate land use outcomes
are desired and to make recommendations
accordingly for changes to land use policy,
including zoning . The 2010 LCP had many
recommendations around zoning reform that
have been implemented since then .
Centerville Village District of Critical Planning
Concern (DCPC) Centerville Village
This new ordinance was adopted in 2009 and
has an emphasis on preserving and respecting
the historic nature of the Centerville village . It
allows for a mix of single-family homes, small-
scale retail and services, office, and mixed use,
with apartments allowed as accessory uses . The
Centerville Village DCPC includes design guide-
lines for all new development and additions.
Corporate branding is prohibited and there is
flexibility for dimensional requirements through
the special permit process .
150 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 151 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 151
Image caption here.
Barnstable Village Business District
(VB-A Business District)
Significant amendments were made to this
district in 2010. Barnstable Village allows for a
mix of single-family homes, retail, office, and
services, with apartments allowed as accessory
uses on upper floors and limits “formula”
businesses and corporate branding .
Marstons Mills Village District (MMVD)
This new ordinance was adopted in 2010 .
Marstons Mills Village allows for a mix of
single-family homes, retail, office, services,
and mixed use, with apartments allowed as
accessory uses. Larger-scale mixed use is allowed
with performance standards, and there are
design guidelines for all new development and
additions. Corporate branding is prohibited
but there is flexibility for dimensional require-
ments through the special permit process .
Non-conforming uses may not be replaced by
another non-conforming use .
West Barnstable Village Business District
(WBVBD)
This new ordinance was adopted in 2011 . The
West Barnstable Village Business District allows
for a mix of single-family homes, small-scale
retail, and office, with service businesses
allowed by special permit. Larger-scale mixed
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 152 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 152
use is allowed with performance standards, and
there are design guidelines for all new
development and additions. Corporate branding
is prohibited, and non-conforming uses may not
be replaced by another non-conforming use .
Craigville Beach District of Critical Planning
Concern (DCPC) Craigville Beach
This new ordinance was adopted in 2011 and
has an emphasis on flood control and ground-
water maintenance and recharge for properties
surrounding the Centerville River . The DCPC is
divided into four “neighborhood overlays” for
Craigville Village, Craigville Beach, Long Beach/
Short Beach, and Centerville River North Bank.
Each neighborhood overlay has its own use
regulations and performance standards aimed at
preservation and protecting each area’s unique
built and environmental characteristics.
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Ordinance
This new town-wide ordinance was adopted in
2022 . It allows up to one ADU on a lot with a
single-family dwelling, with a maximum of up
to two bedrooms and 900 square feet (or ½ the
habitable floor area of the primary dwelling,
whichever is less). ADUs must be rented for at
least a period of 12 consecutive months and only
the ADU or the principal dwelling can be rented
at any one time.
Downtown Hyannis Zoning Districts
The prior Downtown Hyannis Zoning Districts
were repealed and replaced with this new
ordinance in 2023 to incorporate aspects of
“form-based code” . Twhich pertains only to
the Downtown Hyannis Zoning Districts, and
not the remainder of the Town. Like the prior
code which it amends, the new code
regulates both uses as well as size, form, and
bulk. The intent of the code is to foster a
predictable built environment and
provide a high-quality public realm by regulating
the form, placement, design and
massing of a building while
continuing to regulate land uses but
through broader use categories . This
fine-grained zoning, which strictly
applies to Downtown Hyannis,
acknowledges that even
Formatted: Font color: Red
Formatted: Font color: Red
Commented [KM2]: If we are going to use the phrase
“form-based code” (italics added), we should provide a
definition so that readers understand what it means, and
more importantly, what it does not mean. Perhaps we could
use language like the following …
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 153 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 153
within a relatively small area there are several different
conditions that call for different devel- opment standards
. The two core downtown Districts, Downtown Main
Street and Downtown Village, are intended to promote
mixed-use and multi-family development and a
continuation
of a walkable, pedestrian-oriented downtown
environment with a continuous active streetscape .
Surrounding districts support this core and encourage
traditional neighborhood development patterns,
residential infill, and support community
transportation and health care institutions present in
the downtown.
Highway Business Zoning Districts
The Highway Business Zoning District, which includes
commercial corridors on West Main Street, Route 132,
and Route 28 in Hyannis
and Centerville was amended in 2019 to allow expanded
commercial uses by-right, as well as multi-family
residential and mixed-use develop- ment by-right .
Route 6 Interchange/Route 132
The Business and Highway Business Districts
were expanded northward on Route 132
between 2014 and 2016 creating a new commer- cial
node that supports a number of financial institutions and
other professional office uses.
Mixed Use Subzone, Medical Services
Overlay District
An area in the Regional Economic Center, on land
formerly belonging to Cape Cod Hospital, was rezoned
in 2021 to allow four-story multi- family residential
development.
Shopping Center Overlay Amendments Zoning
amendments were approved on land belonging to the
Cape Cod Mall to allow multi- family residential
development, hotels, offices and reduced parking
requirements in 2022 to support the existing
commercial district.
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 154 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 154
Preservation
One of the major goals of the 2010 LCP was to
expand the protected open space and
recreational land. Significant progress has been
made on this front over the past thirteen years
as noted in the table below .
As can be seen in the table below, both
protected open space and recreational/public
lands have increased since 2010 . Each of
the categories under protected open space
and recreational/public lands increased with
the exception of municipal use with a 5.97%
reduction and schools with a 31.12% reduction.
Protected open space increased modestly with
an overall increase of 562.04 acres (+5.20%)
whereas recreation/public lands increased signifi-
cantly with an overall increase of 1,846 .39 acres
(+68.35%). State land saw the largest increase,
both in acres and as a percentage (+38%).
Most recreation and public land types have seen
an even greater increase, though some have
decreased or remained the same . Overall, such
lands increased by over 68%. Public trusts led
this change, increasing by over 1,200 acres from
just under 80 acres in 2010 . Other state lands
have also increased significantly (+221%), as
have town recreation land and facilities (+264%).
Schools and other municipal uses lost a total of
approximately 145 acres over this time.
Policies, Priorities & Plans
Several plans and policies in support of the LCP
have been adopted since 2010 .
Growth Incentive Zone (GIZ)
First approved in 2006, the Downtown Hyannis
Growth Incentive Zone (GIZ) was reauthorized
with the Cape Cod Commission in 2018 . The
GIZ has been the primary area in the Town
designated for growth, both residential and
commercial, as outlined in the 2010 LCP . A “GIZ”
Image caption here.
is a planning tool that allows communities to
exempt certain development activities from
Cape Cod Commission regulatory review . The
intent is to encourage residential and commer-
cial development and redevelopment supported
by community amenities and appropriate
infrastructure . The GIZ gives the Town more
local control over decision making in downtown
Hyannis and makes development easier and
more attractive by eliminating the step of Cape
Cod Commission review . The GIZ is supported
by the Downtown Hyannis Zoning Districts
described above .
Please see the Land Use and Development
section (under Section 2: Built Systems) of the
Existing Conditions Report for more information
on the GIZ.
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 155 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 155
Summary of Open Space and Recreation Land
Table 4.1. Protected Open Space (acres)
2010 2023 Change
Conservation Land 6,349 .26 6,449 .85 100 .59
Land Bank/CPA 960 .06 1,037 .57 77 .51
Private Open Space 1,181 .51 1,311 .4 129 .89
State Land 447 .35 617 .46 170 .11
Conservation Restriction 438 .39 516 .82 78 .43
Municipal Water District 233 .51 237 .75 4 .24
Non-Municipal Water Districts 1,188 .60 1,189 .87 1 .27
Total Protected 10,798.68 11,360.72 562.04
Table 4.2. Recreation Land, Other Open Space and Public Land (acres)
2010 2023 Change
Town Cemeteries 166 .07 166 .07 0
Public Trusts 79 .17 1,311 .40 1,232 .23
Town Recreation Land & Facilities 112 .94 411 .45 298 .51
Beaches & Public Landings 145 .14 145 .14 0
Municipal Use 934 .46 878 .65 -55 .81
Schools 289 .73 199 .56 -90 .17
Airport 602 .77 616 .03 13 .26
Housing Authority 54 .50 65 .06 10 .56
Barnstable County Land & Facilities 123 .11 135 .68 12 .57
State Land 192 .22 617 .46 425 .24
Federal Land 1 .15 1 .15 0
Total Recreation and Other 2,701.26 4,547.65 1,846.39
Source: Town of Barnstable October 2023
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 156 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 156
Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan
(CWMP)
The CWMP, adopted in 2020, is a plan to protect
Barnstable’s coastal waters, ponds, and drinking
water by managing nutrient pollution from
wastewater . To accomplish this, the plan calls for
an expansion of the Town’s wastewater infra-
structure (i.e. sewers) as well as other innovative
and nature-based approaches such as inlet
dredging, cranberry bog conversions, and use of
nitrogen-removing septic systems. The 30-year
plan is comprised of three 10-year phases,
predominantly focused on sewer expansion.
By reducing nutrient pollution in embayments,
the plan protects water quality in ponds and
drinking water sources and is also designed to
provide the wastewater infrastructure needed to
support community economic development and
affordable housing needs.
Please see the Wastewater Management
section (under Section 2: Built Systems) of the
Existing Conditions Report for more information
on the CWMP.
Revisions to Cape Cod Commission Review
Thresholds (Chapter H)
The Town was granted approval from the
Cape Cod Commission to raise Development
of Regional Impact (DRI) project thresholds in
the mapped Economic Centers and Industrial
Service & Trade Areas outside of the Growth
Incentive Zone in Hyannis. See the boundaries
of these areas in Map X below . Like this GIZ, a
DRI allows for more development to be reviewed
and approved directly by the Town rather than
going through the Cape Cod Commission . The
Town may now review commercial and industrial
development proposals in the Economic Center
up to 20,000 SF (from 10,000 SF) and in the
Industrial Service & Trade Area up to 40,000
SF (from 10,000 SF). This amendment seeks
to make the permitting process more efficient
for such developments and make it
easier to attract the types of
development the Town wants where
it wants it .
Issues & Opportunities
This plan is built around the collective needs
and desires of the community. Through multiple
public meetings, surveys, interviews, and focus
groups, the Town gathered feedback on what
is working in Barnstable, what is not, and what
changes residents want to see . This feedback
is what has guided the development of Goals,
Actions, and Strategies throughout this plan.
Townwide Issues and Opportunities
for Land Use
The overall land use management approach
for Barnstable encourages growth and
redevelopment in locations where more
intense development is appropriate and viable
because of available roadways, wastewater, and
other infrastructure, including broadband and
telecommunications, and because the location
minimizes impacts on open space and sensitive
natural resources . This strategy helps reduce,
and where possible even reverse, sprawling land
development patterns and promotes a land use
pattern that respects the past, supports today’s
vibrant multi-faceted community, and allows
thorough and careful preparation for future
needs . Below is a discussion of some of the most
important land use issues and opportunities that
have townwide implications.
The Zoning Ordinance is the primary land use
regulation in Barnstable. It contains provisions
for land use in all zoning districts as well as for
non-conforming uses and use variances . Each
Local Comprehensive Plan update is an opportu-
nity to take a look at the Zoning Ordinance with
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 157 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 157
fresh eyes. The LCP identifies where changes
to land use policy will be beneficial and help
the Town reach its various goals . Some of these
changes to land use policy will result in changes
to the Zoning Ordinance . In brief, zoning should
be revised to allow what the Town wants where
it wants it and to prohibit uses where they are
not desired . The goal is to increase certainty
and consistency, and not to rely on incentives or
negotiations with property owners or developers
to get what the Town wants .
It is also good practice to review and analyze the
Zoning Ordinance periodically for opportunities
to condense and streamline, incorporate a more
user-friendly format, correct and update refer-
ences, and ensure compliance with state law .
Issues and Opportunities for Different
Land Use Types
Barnstable has arguably the most diverse array
of land uses of any municipality on Cape Cod .
While the most populous town on the Cape,
Barnstable is home to a variety of important
water, coastal, wetland, wildlife, historic, and
open space resources . The Town grew up around
seven village centers, and these villages continue
to play a large role in defining the life of the
community. Additionally, Barnstable is home to
some of the most concentrated and intensive
development on Cape Cod, with denser
housing, commerce and retail, industrial areas,
and regional services such as the Barnstable
Municipal Airport, Cape Cod Community College,
Cape Cod Hospital, Cape Cod Regional Transit
Authority Hyannis Transportation Center, ferry
terminals to the Islands, and a network of
working waterfronts .
Compact Development
The 2010 Local Comprehensive Plan supports a
policy of compact development, a smart growth
approach that concentrates development where
infrastructure can be efficiently provided and
access to transportation is readily available. Infill,
mixed-use development, development of previ-
ously developed underutilized land, and cluster
development are forms of compact development .
Development outside of areas with opportunities
to walk to shopping, work, recreation, and
other necessary pursuits is, by its nature, more
demanding on our resources than is development
in the Downtown Hyannis area and other areas
long targeted by the Town for growth .
Infill and Redevelopment
Infill and redevelopment of existing developed
commercial areas is the Town’s preferred form
of compact development . Working with stake-
holders, the Town reviewed existing conditions
and regulations in the GIZ and many of the village
districts . Together, they analyzed infrastructure
and regulatory needs; developed necessary
infrastructure plans; and provided standards for
community character and traffic management.
The goal was to create an environment where
businesses can thrive; infrastructure is improved
or upgraded; and residents can access goods and
services in a safe, efficient manner.
Infill and redevelopment provide opportunities
to improve overall design for better function
and community character enhancement . Site
design, building design, and landscaping are all
important components of these regulations.
Interconnection of adjacent properties,
transportation corridor access management, and
streetscape and site enhancements are consid-
ered, and the permit process has been clarified
and simplified. The Town consequently amended
plans and zoning for the villages and in early
2023, adopted a more “form-based” code for the
GIZ (see more on this below in the subsections
on the GIZ and Village Centers). Zoning reform
is an iterative process. As the Town continues
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 158 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 158
There are 25,961 parcels that have
been developed in the Town .
25k
(30,408.92 acres)
of the Town is within the 20k
Overlay District (RPOD).
15k
The RPOD is designed to
protect groundwater quality,
reduce nitrogen contamination,
10k
and reduce development
potential to be more in line
with infrastructure capacity.
5k
Approximately 30% of the Town's
60 square miles of land area is
permanently protected open space .
1.4%
(539.08 acres)
11,469 acres
of the Town is within
the Growth Incentive
Zone (GIZ).
The GIZ has been the
primary area in the Town
designated for growth, both
of permanently protected
open space .1
residential and commercial. parcels with buildings Land Use Fact Sheet
7 7.9%
Resources Protection
1750 1800 1850 1900 1950 2025
Source: Town of Barnstable GIS
to implement the GIZ and Village Centers
standards, they should be periodically assessed
for further improvement and refinement.
There are many issues and opportunities related
to these land use types, and many of the Policies
and Strategies below are designed to be specific
to certain land use types. The section discusses
these specific land use types and provides policy
direction for land use decisions looking forward.
Natural Areas
Natural Areas are generally the Town’s least
developed and most sensitive areas. While
Barnstable is the most populous and also one
of the most built out municipalities on the
Cape, it has a wealth of natural areas such as
Sandy Neck, the Great Marsh, and other local
and privately held conservation lands. Sensitive
habitat areas have also decreased in Barnstable,
primarily from residential development pressure.
These areas are increasingly subject to change
from development impacts, stormwater runoff,
wastewater discharge, recreational users, and
climate change .
The Town has many opportunities to strategically
expand protected natural areas in an effort to
connect core sensitive habitat and establish
a better-connected network of natural areas.
Where connections are needed in developed
Choosing land use without
considering the natural
environment, such as encouraging
development along an eroding
coastline, can make the natural and
built environments seem like they
are working against each other.
areas, strategies for implementation may include
easements on portions of developed lands or
even purchasing and reverting developed lands
to open space .
Rural Development Areas
Rural Development Areas are defined by a
high percentage of open lands and sparse
building development patterns that contribute
to the unique rural and scenic character of the
region . Areas such as West Barnstable, larger
lot areas around village centers, and the Town’s
few remaining agricultural areas and farms all
contribute to the Town’s rural character .
While active agriculture has been on the decline
in Barnstable for many years, the demand for
locally grown produce, dairy products, and
meats is growing on Cape Cod . This presents
an opportunity to strengthen local agriculture .
However, development pressure, primarily
from the residential market, represents more
value for these lands than agricultural uses do .
Ordinances, regulations, and policies should be
reviewed to ensure that maximum protection is
afforded to agricultural uses and that incentives
are in place to help maintain existing farms and
put properties with prime agricultural soils back
into active agricultural use.
Lower-Density Residential Areas
Lower-Density Residential Areas include resi-
dential neighborhoods built primarily between
the 1950s and 1990s . Comprising the majority
of the Town’s land area, these districts should
be periodically analyzed for inappropriate use
allowances, redevelopment permitting, open
space and recreation needs, affordable housing
development, transportation improvements, and
heritage preservation. Depending on location,
new residential development and expansion of
existing residential development may be very
158 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 159 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 159
Image caption here.
limited by mandatory compliance with state and
federal nitrogen discharge limits as established by
the Massachusetts Estuaries Program. There are
opportunities in these areas to manage existing
development, actively guide redevelopment, and
plan for necessary capital improvements .
Historic Areas
Historic Areas consist of concentrations of historic
structures, including local and/or National
Register districts located in a small-scale village
setting. Particularly notable historic areas in
Barnstable are found in and around the village
centers of Barnstable, Centerville, Cotuit,
Craigville, Hyannis, Hyannisport, Osterville, and
West Barnstable . These areas include not only
historic buildings, but cemeteries, landscape
features, and viewsheds . Preserving these
resources is an opportunity for the Town to main-
tain its heritage and culture, while continuing to
be a unique draw for the tourism economy .
Maritime Areas
Maritime Areas are clusters of commercial and
mixed-use development that contribute to
Cape Cod’s working waterfronts and harbors .
Barnstable is home to some of the most active
maritime areas on the Cape, including produc-
tive fishing industries, commuter and visitor
ferry service, sightseeing boats, recreational
marinas, and more . Barnstable Harbor, Hyannis
Harbor, West Bay in Osterville, and multiple
other marinas and yacht clubs provide jobs,
attract tourists, and are an integral part of the
local culture and quality of life .
Harbors and marinas provide opportunities for
traditional fishing and shellfishing activities and
the growing recreational boating public. Water-
dependent industries such as boat yards, sail
lofts, and other water-dependent uses should be
retained and supported, both for their economic
and historic/cultural importance . There have
been and naturally will continue to be conflicts
between the working waterfront and recreational
boating. The Town must continue to pursue
policies that balance these competing interests.
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 160 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 160
Regional Economic Center
This area of Hyannis is characterized by larger-
scale commercial and light-industrial uses, with
the potential to be interspersed with higher
density residential development. This area
serves an important role in the regional
economy, providing goods and services, year-
round employment, and economic stability and
sustainability in a region that can be dominated
by seasonal fluctuations in the economy. This area
includes land designated as centers for industrial
activity, suitable for industrial uses and emerging
industries. The introduction of multi-family
development in these areas may provide a larger,
local customer base for businesses in a location
that generally has the infrastructure capacity to
support much needed housing diversity .
For planning purposes, this area is split into two
sections: the largely commercial area around
Cape Cod Mall and the Landing at Hyannis,
and the industrial area to the north . The Town
recognizes that this area has potential to grow
and change under existing regulations. There
are opportunities to further amend existing
regulations to better manage traffic, economic
development, groundwater protection, and
community character in this area .
Growth Incentive Zone (GIZ)
Please see more information on the GIZ and the
Downtown Hyannis Zoning Districts under the
Land Use Actions Since 2010 section above.
A special note on regional transportation: The
Cape Cod Gateway Airport, as a regional
transportation hub, provides many opportunities
for collaboration. Moving passengers from
the terminal to the Cape Cod Regional Transit
Authority’s Hyannis Transportation Center and
island ferry terminals by transit to alleviate some
Airport Rotary traffic, providing better airport
services to area residents, and ensuring maximum
Land use choices shape what
communities look and feel
like. They determine how people
can get around, what their homes
look like, and where they can live,
work, and play.
protection of water supply from aircraft and
vehicle fueling and repair operations are areas for
mutual exploration and cooperation.
Village Centers
Barnstable is made up of seven villages:
Barnstable Village, Centerville, Cotuit, Hyannis,
Marstons Mills, Osterville, and West Barnstable .
Each of these villages has distinct needs for
growth management, historic preservation,
businesses, housing, and environmental
concerns. Public meetings were held to get
feedback specific to each village center. Issues
and opportunities for each of the seven village
centers are summarized below .
Hyannis Village
Hyannis, which also includes the Hyannis Port
and West Hyannisport neighborhoods, is the
economic center of the region, defined by the
presence of the regional commercial center and
a historic Main Street and working waterfront .
Barnstable Village
Barnstable Village is quintessential Cape Cod.
The historic landscapes and views are closely
tied with the identity of the Town and County.
They are the foundation of the visitor economy
and the perception of the Town as a desirable
place to live. Barnstable Village's historic
resources remain largely intact and highly
valued . The village recognizes that its historic
Commented [KM3]: I still think the description is lacking
when compared to the other Villages. Can you add
something about it being multicultural, bustling Main Street,
talk about the character?
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 161 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 161
resources are most important to its character
and to the economy of the town but sees oppor-
tunities to expand locally serving businesses and
improve walking and biking infrastructure .
Centerville
The "village assets" of Centerville are numerous,
ranging from the beauty and charm of its
Main Street to the sunset at Craigville Beach .
The traditional New England image is present
throughout much of the Village, making it one
of the most desirable villages for year-round and
summer residents and a destination for leisure
travelers . Most of its historic buildings and
scenic areas remain intact . The riverways and
inland water bodies provide natural focal points .
However, there are opportunities to address
traffic calming and pedestrian safety issues.
Cotuit
Cotuit's peninsular location and intimate
relationship with the sea is one of its greatest
assets, has shaped its history, and now creates
some of its biggest challenges. In addition to its
treasured waters, the residents of Cotuit put
an extremely high premium on open areas, and
there are opportunities to improve water quality
in the area and expand recreational offerings.
Marstons Mills
Village residents describe Marstons Mills as
having a rural village character that they value
and wish to retain . Marstons Mills is one of the
more rural of the Barnstable villages . The center
of the village has retained its traditional uses,
including retail . Three community buildings,
the library, Liberty Hall, and the Methodist
church form a little community center off the
main commercial center of the village . Town
owned lands in the area provide scenic views
of the open rural character reminiscent of the
old Marstons Mills and are identifying features
of this village, and indeed of the whole town .
Residents would like to see more
activities for children and young
families and are concerned about
families being priced out of the
housing market .
Osterville
The seaside village of Osterville’s distinct areas
include the more rural northern area along
Bumps River Road, Tower Hill, East Bay, the
village center, Seapuit, Osterville Harbor and
the historic area of Wianno, and the island
communities of Little Island and Grand Island
(Oyster Harbors). The village’s shoreline encircles
a network of protected waters and barrier
beaches, and there are several hundred acres
Image caption here.
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 162 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 162
Image caption here.
of conservation land in and around Osterville.
Residents see an opportunity to continue
investing in the public realm and public facilities,
such as the library, beaches, sidewalks, and
youth activities.
West Barnstable
West Barnstable has several community facilities
including the library, community building, and
softball field, all of which are actively used.
Residents want the village to retain its rural and
historic character. Protection of old farms is of
concern to longtime residents, many of whom
do not wish to see the old farmlands subdivided
and developed. Residents want to see better
walkability and maintenance of sidewalks . Many
are concerned about the increased cost of
housing as well as water quality protection and
water availability .
Commercial Nodes
Barnstable has many largely auto-centric
commercial corridors, including the Highway
Commercial District located within the GIZ .
Beyond this area, other stretches of Route 28/
Falmouth Road, Route 132 Iyannough Road, and
West Main Street serve people both locally and
from across the region .
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 163 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 163
Route 28 Node
This east west regional route traverses low and
medium density residential development
interspersed with scattered non-residential uses,
intensely developed highway business areas,
and the regional commercial center arranged
along the eastern portion of the corridor. There
is significant opportunity for growth in the
commercial nodes along this corridor, both resi-
dential and non-residential. Goals for this area
include managing existing development, actively
guiding infill and redevelopment to address
parking, screening and roadway access issues,
and detailed planning for capital improvements
to adequately support new development .
West Main Street Node
This long strip of Highway Business zoned
roadway has potential to change use and
intensity under existing regulations. Traffic
overburdens this roadway and its many access
points, community character is compromised
by strip development, and residential uses are
not fully integrated into the streetscape . Goals
for this area include improved community
character, a defined neighborhood center with
neighborhood-serving businesses, traffic conges-
tion relief, traffic calming measures, streetscape
improvements, and drinking water protection.
Non-Conforming Uses
Non-conforming uses are existing uses that do
not conform to the use standards of the zoning
districts in which they are located . The most
common non-conforming uses are commercial
uses located in residential zoning districts.
Legally non-confirming uses may continue so
long as they meet certain standards . Many of
these uses provide valuable services to the
community but can also cause traffic issues and
other conflicts with neighboring residential uses.
It is the Town’s longstanding policy that these
uses convert to residential uses over time in
order to reduce such conflict. To the
degree possible, Barnstable should
use its non-conformity section to
eliminate variance requests .
Use Variances
Use variances are a perfect example of the
importance of adopting clear and consistent
zoning bylaws . When it is clear what uses are
desired and allowed in certain zoning districts,
there should be no need for use variances . Use
variances are currently not allowed in several
areas of Barnstable, and the Town may consider
expanding this prohibition.
Maps
Mapping is an important tool for visualizing land
use policies . The maps below can help the
community see where new growth and develop-
ment are most suitable and where development
should be moderated to protect important
environmental resources .
Please see the Existing Conditions Report for a
fuller range of maps.
Goals & Actions
GOAL #1
Analyze current standards for lot coverage and building massing in the Residential Areas. Consider
creating or decreasing maximum lot coverage limitations and/or establishing floor to area ratio (FAR)
limits in strategic areas to contain the spread of impervious surfaces and to improve coastal flooding
resilience.
Actions
A. Amend the Town’s zoning to incorporate requirements for the built and natural environment with
best practice strategies related to coastal flooding resiliency and potential need to retreat.
B. Establish new lot coverage requirements or enhance existing requirements to define maximum
impervious coverage in residential zoning districts.
GOAL #2:
To preserve open lands, agricultural lands, and cultural, historic, and scenic landscapes, explore
locations for an increased lot size requirement in areas with insufficient infrastructure.
Actions
A. Conduct an analysis of the parcels in the Resource Protection Overlay District (RPOD) currently
zoned for two acres by overlaying maps of natural, historic, and scenic resources to help identify if
the RPOD should be expanded.
GOAL #3:
Continue to explore opportunities to protect or acquire areas of land to retain and expand open
space.
Actions
A. Evaluate privately owned wooded lots for potential acquisition to increase land protected in perpe-
tuity with prioritization for land that is contiguous with existing open space, adjacent to a wetland as
well as opportunities to establish or expand greenways and wildlife corridors of sufficient width to
protect edge species and species that inhabit the interior forest .
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 173
GOAL #4:
Amend the zoning ordinance to enhance requirements to retain existing tree canopy and establish
new requirements to increase tree canopy.
Actions
A. Amend the Town’s zoning to require that residential and commercial properties are improved with
or maintain existing vegetated landscape buffers between other properties and adjacent to water
bodies .
B. Amend the Town’s zoning to require that a new tree be planted whenever a significant tree is
removed .
C. Set standards for the maximum lot clearance allowed for development in rural residential zoning
districts as well as Sensitive Habitat Areas including open space that is protected in perpetuity and
BioMap Core Habitat and Critical Natural Landscape.
GOAL #5:
Consider incentives and tax benefits for agricultural lands to increase intensity and economic
possibility.
Actions
A. Actively promote Massachusetts General Law (MGL) Chapter 61A property tax benefits to rural
landowners .
GOAL #6:
Consider incentives or requirements for open space residential development.
Actions
A. Explore options for requiring the use of open space residential development in rural residential
zoning districts where the protected open space can help conserve and connect important natural
resources or where the development is near mixed-use zoning districts.
B. If requirements prove infeasible, explore incentives for incorporating open space residential develop-
ment in these areas, such as waiving permitting fees or offering tax credits.
174 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan
GOAL #7:
Improve connectivity between residential and commercial users in the Regional Economic Center.
Actions
A. Develop and adopt standards to improve connectivity between new residential development and
nearby parks, schools, shopping, and services, including sidewalks, bike paths, and enhanced transit .
GOAL #8:
Ensure adequate open space is available for residents and visitors to Hyannis.
Actions
A. The Town should identify and map potential open space/recreational properties in Hyannis and
develop plans to enhance or acquire land, given the limited availability of land for standalone park
and recreation purposes.
GOAL #9:
Develop and adopt standards, including design standards or guidelines, for additional housing types
at a scale between two-family dwellings and small multi-family dwellings as well as mixed-use that
can be allowed in the Commercial Nodes.
Actions
A. Ensure that zoning allows these housing types to accommodate mixed-use with ground floor
commercial .
B. Ensure that housing development will have minimal impact on traffic through integration of traffic
mitigation measures.
C. Consider prohibiting multi-family development of greater than 12 units along West Main Street and
the Route 28 corridor as shown on the Future Land Use Map .
D. Support housing development and redevelopment on underutilized properties around the mall.
E. Support housing development and redevelopment on underutilized properties within the Growth
Incentive Zone (GIZ).
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 175
GOAL #10:
Evaluate regulations to incentivize conforming uses.
Actions
A. Conduct an analysis of all non-conforming non-residential uses in the Town.
GOAL #11:
Protect and strengthen the existing working harbor activities and character, maintain water views
and improve public access.
Actions
A. Amend the Town’s zoning to ensure that existing public water views are protected or enhanced.
Consider establishing view corridors that are required to remain free of view-obstructing buildings,
structures, site improvements or landscaping other than low-growing plant material or existing
natural vegetation.
GOAL #12:
Reflect on the Future Land Use Map and coordinate further study for the areas identified on the map.
Actions
A. Conduct the Independence Village Area Master Plan as shown on the Future Land Use Map.
B. Conduct the West End Neighborhood Area for Master Plan as shown on the Future Land Use Map to
study traffic impacts and analyze proper land uses.
C. Conduct the Community College Area Master Plan as shown on the Future Land Use Map for further
land use in partnership with the Community College .
D. Study the Light Commercial corridor as shown on the Future Land Use Map to study traffic impacts
and analyze proper land uses .
E. Study the Route 132 corridor as shown on the Future Land Use Map to study traffic impacts and
analyze proper land uses .
Image caption here.
176 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan
CHAPTER 5
Housing
Vision Statement
» Commit to providing affordable and attainable
year-round housing options.
178 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan
Image caption here. Praesent commodo cursus magna.
Image caption here.
179
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 180 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 180
5 Housing
Why Housing Matters
In the last ten years, Barnstable has seen a
3 percent decrease in the total number of
households, but an overall increase of 8 percent
in its total population. Barnstable’s full-time
population has fluctuated since 1980. Most
Barnstable residents are over the age of 35, and
the population is predicted to grow increasingly
older with the aging of these residents . The
town is also becoming more diverse, with
Black, Indigenous, and other people of color
(BIPOC) accounting for over one-fifth of the
population. Hyannis’s BIPOC proportion is even
higher, accounting for nearly half of the village’s
overall population. Both Barnstable Town and
Hyannis have significantly higher-than-average
resident diversity compared with Barnstable
County, which is 92 percent white154 .
The average household size in Barnstable is 2 .5
persons and 27 percent of total households are
individuals living alone155 .
Most resident occupations are in education,
health care, and social assistance professions,
and this may account for the lower median
household income as compared to the Area
Median Income (AMI) set by the US Department
of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Non-family and renter-occupied households earn
roughly $40,000 less than the AMI, which means
increased difficulty for these households to
afford housing costs. In Barnstable, 37 percent
of households are spending more than 30
percent of their monthly income on housing
costs—and for low- and moderate-income
earners, this number jumps to 72 percent . One in
three Barnstable homeowners is cost-burdened
while one in two renters is cost-burdened .
Roughly 85 percent of Barnstable’s housing
stock is single-family housing, and 81 percent
of that is single-family detached units . Hyannis,
on the other hand, has a much more even split,
with 59 percent of units being single-family and
41 percent being multi-family. Hyannis is one of
Barnstable’s seven villages but holds about one-
fifth of Barnstable’s housing units. The number
of multi-family units in Hyannis is higher than the
overall Town’s multi-family housing stock, with
the remaining six villages having significantly
fewer multi-unit housing options. Of
In Barnstable, the vast majority
of housing is single family homes,
and many of these residential
structures lie within vulnerable
coastal areas subject to sea level
rise, SLOSH (Sea, Lake, and
Overland Surges from
Hurricanes), and flooding.
154 Quick Facts Barnstable County, Massachusetts, https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/barnstablecountymassachusetts
155 Social Explorer Tables: ACS 2022 (5-Year Estimates) - ACS2022_5yr
Commented [KM1]: Is it possible to list what the AMI is
in $$?
Formatted: Font: Bold, Font color: Custom
Color(RGB(38,46,49))
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 181 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 181
Image caption here.
Barnstable’s overall housing stock, approximately
3.4% of total units are registered for short-term
rental; this number fluctuates seasonally and not
all registered rentals are actively being adver-
tised156 . About one quarter of homes in town
are second homes, which may or may not be
seasonally rented157. Vacancy rates in Barnstable
indicate that the town has a 1 .8 percent vacancy
of ownership units; there were 52 single-family
home sales in Barnstable in 2023 compared with
114 in 2020158 . The rental vacancy rate in 2023
was estimated to be around 1.7%159 .
The town saw a four (4) percent increase in
renter-occupied housing between 2010 and
2020, but available rentals remain scarce;
156 Local Town data on short-term rentals from the month of August 2022 (to get a snapshot of a peak tourist time). Counted only
short-term rentals across all available short-term rental platforms (Airbnb, VRBO, etc.) that actively rented in the past year
(these short-term rentals may or may not be registered with the state).
157 Cape Code Commission housing market analysis, 2017—projected for 2022. 6,319 second homes and 21,348 year-round homes
reported for the mid-Cape in 2022. This totals 27,667 homes, of which 23 percent are second homes.
158 Banker & Tradesman Median Sale Prices and Housing Sales
159 CoStar Annual Maret Report; Barnstable Multi-Family
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 182 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 182
Image caption here.
the rental vacancy rate remains around 1.7%.
Barnstable has comparatively more rental
housing than most surrounding towns at 74
percent owner-occupied and 26 percent renter
occupied . Hyannis shows much closer tenure
parity with 56 .6 percent renter-occupied units .
Barnstable experiences a mismatch between
the number of people living in a home and
the number of bedrooms in that home . While
most Barnstable households are one or two
people, most of its homes have three bedrooms,
suggesting a need for more studio, one-, and
two-bedroom housing options. Housing prices
are on the rise. Between 2021–2022 the median
sales price for a home in Barnstable rose by
62 percent160 . The median sales price for a
single-family home in 2023 was $799,000161 .
Rental costs have also increased and are
anticipated to continue to rise. In 2023, market
data indicated rental units averaged $1,924 per
month, although observed rents for available
units advertised online and reported by the
community trended much higher162 .
Insecure housing and homelessness
stress the body, accelerate aging,
pose barriers to medication
adherence, and increase risks of
mental health challenges.
160 Banker & Tradesman Median Sale Prices
161 Banker & Tradesman Median Sale Prices and Housing Sales
162 CoStar Annual Market Report; Barnstable Multi-Family
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 183 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 183
.
Housing Fact Sheet
6.2% of Barnstable’s year-
round housing stock is
designated affordable .1
The median sales price
for a single-family home
in 2023 was
$799,000 3
84.8% of Barnstable’s
housing stock is detached
single-family homes .2
Nearly 70% of households
are one or two people;
however, most Barnstable homes
have three or more bedrooms .4
households with 1–2 people
70%
homes with 2 or less bedrooms
32%
At least 1 in 4 of Barnstable’s housing units are second homes .
The percentage of units registered for short-term rental at any
one time varies between 2.3%–3.4% .5
1 Department of Housing and Community Development Subsidized Housing Inventory, April 22, 2022,
https://www.mass.gov/doc/subsidized-housing-inventory-2/download.
2 HPP page 18.
3 Banker & Tradesman Median Sale Prices.
4 HPP page 19 and 2022 ACS 5-Year Estimates
6 Local Town data on short-term rentals from the month of August 2022 (to get a snapshot of a peak tourist time) through
February 2024. Counted only short-term rentals across all available short-term rental platforms (Airbnb, VRBO, etc.) that
actively rented in the past year. (These short-term rentals may or may not be registered with the state.)
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 184 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 184
Goals & Actions
GOAL #1
Explore methods for incentivizing the creation of year-round rental units.
Actions
A. Pursue a residential property tax exemption under Massachusetts General Law (MGL) c. 59 §5O for
Barnstable property owners that provide year-round rentals .
B. Explore feasibility to provide financial incentives to promote year-round rentals such as
Provincetown’s Lease to Locals Program .
GOAL #2
Develop strategies that will address the seasonal housing challenges unique to the region.
Actions
A. Explore opportunities to place year-round deed-restrictions on residential units such as the InDEED
program in Vail Colorado.
B. Consider regulations and other policies focused on short-term rentals to the extent they impact
year-round affordable housing.
C. Explore increasing the residential tax exemption for principal residences of taxpayers under MGL c.
59 §5C.
GOAL #3
Assess potential zoning and other opportunities to expand housing options to meet a variety
of housing needs.
Actions
A. Identify zoning amendments and other strategies to support workforce housing and promote
attainable and affordable, equity and wealth building, long-term homeownership opportunities such
as the CommonWealth Builder Program .
B. Amend the Town’s zoning to support the creation of housing units consistent with local needs as
defined within the Housing Production Plan including but not limited to affordable assisted or inde-
pendent living units for low-income seniors, affordable year-round rental and ownership housing,
workforce housing, and housing for residents with special needs .
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 185 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 185
GOAL #4
Strengthen the inclusionary affordable housing ordinance.
Actions
A. To generate more affordable units, consider requiring a higher percentage of affordable units at
a range of income levels, and making the required percentage proportionate to the size of the
development .
B. Look for opportunities to provide expedited permitting, zoning relief, density bonuses, and financial
subsidy for developments that provide affordable housing beyond what is required.
C. Establish an in-lieu of fee that is comparable to the housing market and can be utilized to support
local housing initiatives.
GOAL #5
Pursue the creation of affordable year-round housing on vacant and/or underutilized land or
properties as consistent with the Future Land Use Map.
Actions
A. Explore opportunities to incorporate year-round housing ensuring walkable communities in the
study areas identified on the Future Land Use Map.
GOAL #6:
Plan and partner with entities to produce permanent supportive housing for unhoused
people.
Actions
A. Consider updating the Town's Local Initiative Program (LIP) guidelines or future Affordable Housing
Growth and Development Trust Fund Notices of Funding Availability (NOFAs) to encourage inclusion
of units for formerly homeless households .
B. Strengthen communication with homelessness service providers to ensure their clientele are aware
of and assisted with the application processes for future affordable housing opportunities.
GOAL #7:
Improve monitoring compliance of existing affordable units.
Actions
A. Create and/or support a regional housing services office (RHSO) to expand resource capacity and
support monitoring compliance of existing affordable units.
GOAL #8:
Pursue community-supported opportunities to add housing on Town properties.
Actions
A. Develop a Master Plan for key town-owned properties such as the former Marstons Mills Elementary
School and the land around the Barnstable Adult Community Center .
B. Create an inventory of Town-owned property, land and buildings to be analyzed for suitable afford-
able housing development .
GOAL #9:
Closely coordinate implementation of the Town’s Comprehensive Wastewater Management
Plan and housing development to address both natural resource protection and housing
needs.
Actions
A. Maintain a build-out analysis, for the entire town, overlaying future sewer services areas, and
current and anticipated land dedicated to water supply and protection, with the Town’s zoning to
comprehensively consider opportunities for future housing and open space.
GOAL #10:
Explore public-private partnerships with the Town’s largest employers, and opportunities
internally with the Barnstable Public Schools, to create workforce and seasonal housing for
employees and students.
Actions
A. Support the development of workforce housing with tax relief incentives. Explore establishing
funding stream for this purpose .
186 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan
CHAPTER 6
Natural
Resources
Vision Statement
» Protect, restore and enhance priority natural
habitats, salt and fresh water resources, and
open spaces .
» Maintain healthy coastal ecosystems along with
commercially viable harbors .
» Reduce our environmental footprint by investing
in low-carbon energy, reducing greenhouse gas
emissions, and better managing our waste.
» Build on our outstanding recreational opportunities
and enhance access to open spaces while also
ensuring no environmental harm as recommended
by the open space and recreation plan.
Protect and improve the quality and quantity of our drinking water .
Build essential infrastructure that is resilient, adaptable, and sustainable
and minimizes its environmental impact
188 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan
Image caption here. Praesent commodo cursus magna.
189
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 190 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 190
6 Natural Resources
Why Natural Resources Matter
The Town of Barnstable is rich in natural resources
which center around water, water-dependent
resources, and habitat . High-quality natural
resources are part of the Town’s attraction
for residents and visitors, but they are also
susceptible to pollution from various land uses
and activities and are increasingly vulnerable
to changes in climate . Barnstable residents’ and
visitors’ continued appreciation of natural
resources requires active stewardship, protection,
and restoration of clean water and ecosystems.
Natural resource planning is critical for ensuring:
• Quality of life for humans, including
clean air, clean water, and the ability to
enjoy the outdoors
• Healthy ecosystems for animals and plants
to thrive
• Climate change resiliency, including storm
surge protection, marsh migration, carbon
sequestration, and myriad other benefits
For all these reasons and more, the protection of
water, wetlands, open space, forests, and other
natural habitats is critical for Barnstable’s future.
Please see Section 1: Natural Systems of the
Existing Conditions Report for more detailed
information on groundwater, marine waters,
freshwater lakes and ponds, wetland resources,
open space, and habitat.
Natural Resource Actions
Since 2010
The Town of Barnstable last adopted its LCP
in 2010 . A great deal of work was put into the
development of that plan, and it has been
actively implemented over the past fourteen
years . Below is a high-level overview of some
notable implementation achievements related to
Natural Resources.
Policies, Priorities & Plans
The 2010 LCP called for the creation and
adoption of several new or updated plans, many
of which have been addressed since then .
Many of the plans completed
as part of the Town’s efforts
since 2010 advance public health.
Efforts to improve water quality
(Lake Wequaquet Management
Plan, Stormwater Management
Program Plan, Illicit Discharge
Detection and Elimination
Plan) advance public health.
Wastewater management also
promotes public health. Reducing
hazard risks (Hazard Mitigation
Plan, Floodplain Management
Report) prevents harm to people’s
homes, livelihoods, and health.
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 191 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 191
Image caption here.
Lake Wequaquet Management Plan (2013)
Provides an analysis of phosphorous loading to
the five basins in Lake Wequaquet and includes
a management plan as well as recommendations
for further studies .
Floodplain Management Report (2015)
Identifies floodplain management and climate
adaptation actions to reduce and avoid flood-re-
lated damage and disruption to the community.
Comprehensive Dredge Plan (2017) Identifies
Identifies Town-wide dredging needs and
priorities and establishes a long-term dredging
plan for the future .
Open Space and Recreation Plan (OSRP) (2018)
Provides a blueprint to guide the Town’s plans,
investments, policies and regulations in support
of protecting and enhancing open space and
recreation resources. The Town is currently
coordinating efforts to update the OSRP.
Stormwater Management Program Plan
(2019, updated 2022)
Describes and details activities and measures to
be implemented in order to meet the terms
and conditions of the municipal separate storm
sewer systems (MS4) permit.
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 192 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 192
Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination Plan
(2019, updated 2022)
Identifies sources of non-stormwater discharges
impacting the Town’s municipal separate storm
sewer system and provides recommendations
for removing illicit sources .
Massachusetts Piping Plover Habitat
Conservation Plan Certificate of Inclusion
Request 2020 Sandy Neck Beach Park (2020)
Proposed management plan related to
recreational activity in proximity of piping plover
habitat at Sandy Neck Beach Park.
Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan
(CWMP) (2020)
Provides a town-wide, state approved, science-
based approach to protecting Barnstable’s
coastal waters, ponds, and drinking water by
managing nutrient pollution from wastewater.
The CWMP plan calls for an expansion of the
Town’s wastewater infrastructure (sewers) as
well as other innovative and nature-based
approaches such as inlet dredging, cranberry
bog conver- sions, and the use of nitrogen
removing septic
systems . The objective of the 30-year CWMP is
to meet total maximum daily load of nitrogen.
The plan is currently undergoing the first 5-
year review.
Through its CWMP, the Town has begun
a town-wide Nutrient Management Plan. This
plan includes an assessment process to establish
wastewater alternatives to restore and protect
coastal waters .
Hazard Mitigation Plan (2022)
Identifies the town’s risk and vulnerability to
potential natural hazards and recommends miti-
gation strategies and actions aimed at reducing
the loss of or damage to life, property, infra-
structure, and natural, cultural, and economic
resources. Specifically, this plan assesses the
potential impacts of hurricanes, winter storms,
shoreline change/coastal erosion, earthquakes,
drought/wildfire, and dam failure and identifies
properties, resources, and critical facilities which
may be impacted by these hazard events .
Long Pond Marstons Mills Management Plan
(2022)
Provides a diagnostic assessment of nutrient
inputs to Long Pond, quantifies phosphorus
inputs to Long Pond, and recommends a
management plan to address those inputs and
improve Long Pond water quality .
Commented [KM1]: Comprehensive Wastewater…:
There needs to be a further description here that informs that
this plan is based on years of water quality monitoring. The
208 Plan was developed through ongoing measurement of
the nitrogen levels at the Sentinel Stations and a number of
other locations of each sub embayment. Reaching the
Maximum Daily Load at the Sentinel Station will determine
the success of the CWMP and if further wastewater
infrastructure will be required after the first 30-year plan is
completed. There should be a map with these Sentinel
Stations noted if one is not already included. Also, it should
be noted that the current plan is undergoing its first 5-year
review right now.
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 193 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 193
Image caption here.
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 194 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 194
Shubael Pond Management Plan (2022)
Provides a diagnostic assessment of nutrient
inputs to Shubael Pond, quantifies phosphorus
inputs to Shubael Pond, and recommends a
management plan to address those inputs and
improve Shubael Pond water quality .
Projects & Initiatives
The 2010 LCP called for many strategies and
actions for the Town to pursue related to Natural
Resources . Below is a summary of some of these
key achievements .
Community Preservation Act (CPA) Open Space
& Recreation Efforts
Funds raised through the CPA have been used by
the Town to expand open space and recreation
resources . These funds have been used to
acquire lands or conservation restrictions for
open space, conduct studies needed to finance
recreation projects, and repair and improve
existing recreational facilities, among other
things . A full list of CPA projects can be found in
the Existing Conditions Report under Section 3.
Natural Systems (pages 24-25).
Land Protected in Perpetuity
The Town has made progress in expanding
the amount of permanently protected land
in Barnstable since 2010 . The amount of
open space in Barnstable that is protected in
perpetuity is 11,469 acres as of 2022 . This is an
increase of 524 acres, or nearly five percent,
from 2010 to 2022 . A full breakdown of conser-
vation lands by type and by owner can be found
in the Existing Conditions Report under Section 3.
Natural Systems (pages 25–27).
Habitat Restoration & Fire Protection
Improvements that have taken place since
2010 include controlled prescribed burns for
wildlife habitat restoration and forest fire
fuel reduction, removal of dead pines on Old
Stage Road, maintaining 33 acres
of fields for habitat protection,
and fire prevention at Seabury
Farms Conservation Area, West
Barnstable Conservation Area, and Bridge Creek
Conservation Area. Cleared two additional
acres, grassland restoration project Bridge Creek
Conservation Area FY2012. Fire management
improvements Old Jail Lane Conservation Area
FY2012. Completed improvements to fire access
road in West Barnstable Conservation Area for
emergency response . FY2014 . Fire plan and
controlled burn at Crocker Neck Conservation
Area—Wildlife habitat restoration and forest
fire fuel reduction FY2016 and FY2017. Control
burn West Barnstable Conservation Area Wildlife
habitat restoration and forest fire fuel reduction
FY2019 and FY2020 .
Lakes & Ponds
The Town’s freshwater management program
includes efforts to evaluate and address elevated
nutrient levels, monitor and control harmful
algae (cyanobacteria) and other ecological
impairments and manage invasive species for
the purposes of promoting healthy pond ecosys-
tems, protecting human health, and supporting
recreation and enjoyment. As reflected in the
section above, the Town has instituted a pond
management program that evaluates ecological
health and stressors for priority ponds and
offers recommendations for management and
restoration of these resources.
Implementation of the CWMP will have a
long-term beneficial effect on fragile freshwater
ecosystems; sewer installation is prioritized
around Lake Wequaquet to restore the health of
this 673 acre resource . Other management tech-
niques being implemented in lakes and ponds
across town include alum treatments and aera-
tors to control harmful algae blooms, a floating
wetland in Long Pond, Centerville, as well as
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 195 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 195
efforts coordinated by the numerous private
lake and pond associations. The Town annually
manages the growth of Hydrilla and Fanwort,
two invasive plants in several freshwater ponds
including Mystic Lake, Middle Pond, Long Pond,
and Lake Wequaquet through a combination
of mechanical means (diver assisted suction
harvesting and mats) and controlled application
of aquatic herbicides.
Wetlands
Local and State Wetlands Regulations protect the
value and function of wetlands and related
watershed resources . In 2012, the Town, through
its Conservation Commission, updated regulations
pertaining to protective buffer zones, adding land-
scape requirements to filter pollutants, enhance
value to wildlife, and manage flooding. Local
regulations regarding private docks and piers,
as well as short outhauls, have been updated or
adopted to balance the recreational value and
ecological fragility of wetland resources .
Stormwater Management
Stormwater management is an ongoing effort
in Barnstable through multiple programs
designed to assess and prioritize sites to
improve operation and maintenance of existing
systems and install new green stormwater
infrastructure (GSI). These improvements are
carried out through drainage improvements
during the annual Road Program maintenance,
stormwater improvements to impaired ponds
Capital Improvement Plan, and grant funding .
Completed in June of 2022, the Three Bays
stormwater management project was achieved
in collaboration with the Association to Preserve
Cape Cod (APCC) and Horsley Witten Group
to plan, assess, design, permit, construct, and
maintain green infrastructure best management
practices (BMPs) within the watershed. The
project completed a watershed scale assessment
to establish a comprehensive stormwater
management plan that identified and prioritized
sites for potential stormwater retrofits. Funding
was obtained to complete nine green infrastruc-
ture BMPS including three bioretention areas, a
sand filter, a gravel wetland, and four dry swales.
Wildlife
The Town’s Natural Resources Division works at
safeguarding healthy ecosystems to promote
ecological balance and species protection.
Biodiversity contributes to ecosystem resilience,
enabling natural systems to adapt to and recover
from environmental pressures and disturbances .
The Natural Resources Division has been working
with Mass Audubon and other stakeholders and
has recently installed 15 osprey nesting platforms
on Town and private property . Providing addi-
tional nesting sites for breeding osprey greatly
reduces conflicts that arise when the osprey
search for nesting sites and promotes biodiversity.
Additionally, the town works on restoring and
improving sensitive habitats for endangered
species which is crucial for wildlife conservation.
The Town has worked on multiagency projects
to restore sections of five herring runs. The
Town is working at culvert replacement, fish
ladder restoration and restoration of natural
migration routes.
Coastal Resiliency & Climate Mitigation The
Town of Barnstable has been analyzing coastal
resiliency solutions for protecting Sandy Neck
Beach Park’s public access infrastructure. To
date, two alternativeAnalyses have been
conducted by private consultants which
included multiple public outreach sessions. The
resulting plan involves retreating infrastructure
from the coastline and creating primary dune
resiliency via ecological restoration. Final
design and permitting will be completed in this
phase of the project .
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 196 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 196
Natural Resources Fact Sheet
More than 1/4
of Cape Cod’s salt marshes are
located in Barnstable .1
Most of the marshes
are in the Great Marsh
south of Sandy Neck.
The Town has 163 ponds .2
27 great ponds
(greater than or equal to 10 acres)
The Town has 72
individual aquaculture
sites encompassing
approximately 156 acres
between Barnstable
Harbor and Three Bays .3
The Town has 26 plant species
and 32 fish and wildlife species of
conservation concern.4
The Town’s Marine and
Environmental Affairs staff
oversee and maintain:
107 miles of coastline
with jurisdiction extending 3 nautical miles out
89 ways to water
4 marinas5
1 CCC GIS.
2 Cape Cod Commission GIS Open Data Hub, Ponds, November 23, 2022.
3 MEA Presentation.
4 Rare Species Viewer, MassWildlife's Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program, acquired 1/18/2023.
5 Existing Conditions Report pg. 10.
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 196 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 196
Ocean Resources
The Natural Resources Division has several proj-
ects aimed at improving river herring passage to
spawning areas within the town . The implemen-
tation of fish-friendly infrastructure facilitates
their migration and enhances access to critical
spawning areas . These projects have shown
positive impacts to river herring populations
by restoring their natural migration routes and
contributing to healthier aquatic ecosystems.
Funding for these projects was awarded by
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
and Cape Cod Conservation District and includes
improvements to water flow structures, fish
ladders and wetland restoration.
The Natural Resources shellfish propagation
program grows shellfish to supplement natural
shellfish populations. Shellfish play pivotal roles
in ecosystem health, water quality, and habitat
preservation. Shellfish efficiently remove excess
nutrients and sediment which in turn improve
water quality . The program has tripled quahog
production and doubled oyster production since
2012 . The department has made concerted
efforts to perform habitat assessments in sensi-
tive marine habitats to protect and preserve
these vital areas .
The health of natural resources
plays a crucial role in increasing
climate resiliency, especially
coastal areas which serve to buffer
storm impacts.
Issues & Opportunities
The natural resources of Barnstable face
a myriad of issues and opportunities that range
from water quality to climate change . These
challenges are not uncommon to other
communities across the state. However, they are
of critical importance to Barnstable to address
as a town that is bounded on both the north
and south sides by water and that continues to
seek to balance growth and development with
resource protection.
Coastal Resiliency
The impaired water quality of the Town’s sensi-
tive embayments is directly related to pollutant
loading from a number of development related
sources including on-site septic systems and
stormwater runoff. With so much of Cape
Cod’s biodiversity and local economy reliant
on the health of these coastal waters, ensuring
their health is critical to future prosperity. The
impacts of these pollutant sources may also be
exacerbated by continued sea level rise. Study
has shown a clear relation between rising ocean
levels and rising groundwater levels far inland .163
This has important ramifications for managing
both wastewater and stormwater, potentially
limiting the ability to effectively recharge and
treat these pollution sources.
Barnstable has long stretches of coastline both
on Nantucket Sound and Cape Cod Bay, creating
considerable vulnerabilities related to natural
hazards, climate change, and sea-level rise . The
Town’s Comprehensive Wastewater
Management Plan (CWMP) clearly describes the
vulnerabilities to the Town’s wastewater collec-
tion system and additional efforts to address
163 Walter, D.A., McCobb, T.D., Masterson, J.P., and Fienen, M.N., 2016, Potential effects of sea-level rise on the depth to saturated
sediments of the Sagamore and Monomoy flow lenses on Cape Cod, Massachusetts (ver. 1.1, October 18, 2016): U.S. Geological
Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2016–5058, 55 p.
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 197 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 197
Figure 6 .1 .
Threats to pond quality including presence of aquatic invasive species, contribution of nutrients from septic system discharge
and fertilizer/ pesticide application, and contribution of nutrients or increased erosion and flow from impervious surfaces.
Phosphorus and nitrogen are nutrients of concern and have the potential to come from any or all of these sources. Nitrogen
easily flows through the soil and into groundwater, while phosphorus may be bound in the soil or pass through depending on
soil type and condition.
Source: Cape Cod Ponds and Lakes Atlas, Figure 13, prepared by Cape Cod Commission, 2021, 78.
coastal hazards are underway, including retrofits
to existing sewer lines and designing new lines
to be more resilient to projected hazards . The
Sandy Neck Barrier Beach parking area, for
example, has undergone significant scenario
discussion and requires relocation farther from
the coast in response to patterns of erosion.
Regarding roadway infrastructure, Barnstable
is working with the Cape Cod Commission to
develop strategies for low-lying roads that
are showing increased vulnerability to coastal
storms and sea level rise .
Climate Change
Climate change has the potential to impact
residents’ way of life and the natural systems of
Barnstable . As a community with over 170 miles
of shoreline, more intense weather patterns
could mean flooding, heat waves and seasonal
drought threatening infrastructure, landscapes,
ecological systems, and residents .164 Barnstable’s
Community Resilience Building workshop
identified low-lying infrastructure, emergency
access during weather events, wastewater, and
utility failures as some of the most concerning
challenges . Projected sea level rise would
also further impact eelgrass in Barnstable salt
marshes, responsible for important ecological
164 Barnstable Community Resilience Building Workshop Summary of Findings – Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Program,
2019.
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 198 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 198
Centerville-Osterville-Marstons Mills Water
Districts . This is complicated by the fact that
the Town’s groundwater system is replenished
entirely by precipitation and the level of the
water table fluctuates seasonally due to evap-
oration, precipitation, and water withdrawals.
Barnstable’s Community Preservation Committee
(CPC) continues ongoing conversations with the
Fire/Water Districts about wellhead protection
and open space acquisition to ensure that no
development should occur in Zone 1s (i.e. within
a 400-foot radius of a future public supply well)
and that lands within both the Zone I and Zone II
area be acquired where possible and feasible .
Image caption here.
benefits such as nitrogen removal, carbon
sequestration, and support of commercial
fishing.165 Delicate environments like cranberry
bogs and herring runs would also feel the impact
of rising ocean waters .
Water & Ocean Resources
Groundwater
The Cape Cod aquifer is designated as a Sole
Source Aquifer under the Safe Drinking Water
Act by the Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA), a designation that requires Federally
funded projects to assess project impacts to the
aquifer. The Town of Barnstable is evaluating
options for developing new groundwater
supplies to meet regulatory requirements and
future needs for potable drinking water, both in
Hyannis, which is served by the Water Supply
Division of the Barnstable Department of Public
Works, and throughout the rest of Barnstable,
which is served by the Barnstable, Cotuit, and
As the Town experiences an increase in year-
round population coupled with a decrease in
land area suitable for water supply development,
the need to balance groundwater withdrawals
with local effects on the aquifer’s saltwater
boundaries, wetlands, and surface water
resources will require careful planning for future
water supply development .
Freshwater Lakes & Ponds
Freshwater lakes and ponds in the Town of
Barnstable are significant scenic, recreational,
and wildlife habitat resources . The Town of
Barnstable has 163 freshwater ponds, 90 of
which are one acre or more . Twenty-seven
ponds are greater than 10 acres and are consid-
ered “Great Ponds'' under state regulations.
Collectively, ponds occupy 1,912 acres within the
town. Freshwater ponds are particularly sensi-
tive to additions of phosphorus, which is asso-
ciated with development and land uses close
to a pond (such as wastewater, fertilizer, and
stormwater sources). Buffering pond shorelines
from development is an effective strategy for
165 Cape Cod Climate Action Plan, prepared by the Cape Cod Commission, July 2021. https://www.capecodcommission.org/
resource-library/file/?url=/dept/commission/team/climate/Shared%20Documents/Climate%20Action%20Plan/Cape-Cod-
Climate-Action-Plan.pdf
protecting freshwater ponds and lakes by taking
advantage of the soil’s ability to absorb and
store phosphorus . Pond and lake stewardship in
Town includes the Department of Public Works,
Conservation Division and other organizations
including private lake and pond associations, the
Pond and Lake Stewardship (PALs) Program, the
Barnstable Clean Water Coalition (BCWC), the
Association to Preserve Cape Cod, and the Cape
Cod Ponds Network.
Wetland Resources
Barnstable is home to over 14,300 acres of
wetland resources, including ponds and lakes,
marshes, beaches, wooded wetlands, and cran-
berry bogs . The Great Marshes area, protected
by Sandy Neck, is the largest salt marsh on Cape
Cod, and is a state designated Area of Critical
Environmental Concern (ACEC). Protected
buffers around wetland resources provide
important habitat and assist in the management
of pollutants, trapping or arresting nutrients and
sediment before they can flow into wetlands
and clog or impair them . Increasingly important,
wetland buffers preserved from development
will help to store increased stormwater runoff
as the climate changes and will allow wetlands
to migrate as changes in groundwater height
and increased precipitation events occur.
Barnstable is home to over three hundred
isolated wetlands, many being cranberry bogs .
Some cranberry bogs are an active part of the
Cape Cod economy while others are abandoned
or protected as open space . There are also 37
certified vernal pools in Barnstable; these small
environments are unique because they can
recharge local aquifers and provide for a diverse
set of animals with conditions ranging from
saturated, dry, or frozen .
Cranberry bog acquisition and restoration offers
multifaceted benefits. First, it enhances water
quality by promoting natural filtration processes
at headwaters to ponds and streams .
Additionally, restored cranberry bogs
contribute to healthier ecosystems
by supporting diverse plant and
animal life. Restoration of these habitats often
involves implementing water storage which
can help with localized flooding during extreme
weather events and can play a role in climate
change mitigation. It is important that the Town
has a say in the acquisition of these important
resource areas .
Open Space & Recreation
Habitat
Habitats provide many benefits to humans
through the ecosystem services they provide,
such as recreational access, filtering of nutrients
or air quality, provision of food and other
needed resources, and mitigating the threats
from natural hazards . BioMap, a statewide
habitat mapping tool developed by MassWildlife
and The Nature Conservancy, identifies 15,107
acres of Critical Natural Landscapes (CNLs)
within Barnstable . There are many threats to
these habitat resources .
The subdivision of large tracts of land, for
example, often replaces native vegetation with
impervious surfaces and lawns and fragments
remaining habitat. The Town continues to
enforce the Resource Protection Overlay District,
which maintains a minimum lot size of two acres
in most areas of Town .
Increased water withdrawals from the water
table are another threat to habitat, negatively
impacting delicate wetlands and freshwater
shorelines. Fluctuating water levels support
unique species; however, lower pond levels
could disturb habitats .
Threats also include climate change,
invasive species, and the reduction of natural
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 199
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 200
disturbances. Natural disturbances, such as wild-
fire or severe storms, are necessary to maintain
the diversity of vegetation groupings that define
that area’s woodlands, heathlands, and coastal
plain pond shores .
Barnstable’s challenge, along with the rest of the
region, is to find ways to protect remaining unde-
veloped lands, manage habitat to support diverse
vegetation, and target invasive species incursions.
Conservation & Recreation
Among the implications of growth is a loss of
open space and associated natural resources .
The need to plan for and address open space for
recreation and resource protection remains one
of the top priorities in Barnstable today.
Approximately 29% of the area of the town is
open space protected in perpetuity (11,469
acres). This is an increase of 524 acres from
2010 to 2022 . Areas held by the water districts
for drinking water protection represent a large
portion of the remaining undeveloped land in
Barnstable. Land acquisitions along Route 6 make
up the “backbone” of the Town’s conservation
lands and contribute to regional green infrastruc-
ture. Conservation efforts continue to focus on
smaller corridors running north-south and linking
to the larger conservation greenway along the
moraine. Property acquisitions along Barnstable
coastlines support highly productive ecosystems,
provide popular recreation opportunities, and
preserve the scenic quality of the seashore .
Additional open space exists without protection
or with limited protections. Opportunities to
purchase land in the watersheds of sensitive or
impaired water bodies, particularly as buffers
between the water body and surrounding land
uses, can minimize pollution threats and should
be priorities for future public acquisition.
Resource management problems include illegal
trash dumping, unauthorized motorized off-road
vehicle use, and vandalism on conservation
and other open space parcels . The cleanup and
disposal of illegally dumped material is a
nuisance and an added cost burden to the Town .
Such activities also pose environmental hazards.
Despite enforcement efforts by the Natural
Resources Division and Police Department,
unauthorized vehicle use is a continued problem.
Agencies remain vigilant in their monitoring at
sites of illegal dumping and in prosecution of
violators. The Conservation Commission and
Conservation Program, as well as the Property
Management Division have been very proactive
in protecting conservation and open space lands
from unauthorized vehicular access and illegal
dumping with locked gates and large boulders .
The Town’s Open Space and Recreation Plan,
adopted in 2018, helps guide the maintenance
and expansion of the Town’s open space and
recreational resources.
Maps
Mapping is an important tool for visualizing
natural resources policies . The maps below can
help the community see where development
should be moderated or prohibited to protect
important natural resources .
Please see the Existing Conditions Report for a
fuller range of maps.
Goals & Actions
GOAL #1
Continue to conduct long-range land use and capital facilities planning for future provision
and protection of Barnstable’s public water supply.
Actions
A. The Town will continue to collaborate with independent water districts to analyze data and imple-
ment plans to acquire future wells and associated lands before development occurs and designate
Zones of Contribution and Wellhead Protection Zones for future public supply wells.
GOAL #2
Continue to prioritize the public acquisition of lands within 400 feet of a future public supply
well Zone I, as well as Zone II areas most susceptible to contamination.
Actions
A. Coordinate with adjacent communities, as applicable, when land surrounding a future public supply
well expands into or abuts another town.
B. Maintain a map that depicts all Zone I and Zone II areas overlaid with existing conservation lands.
C. Develop a plan to prioritize acquisition of land that is contiguous with Zone I and Zone II areas.
GOAL #3
Continue to practice water conservation measures to help ensure adequate water supply.
Actions
A. The Town’s Water Supply Division will continue to manage its Water Conservation Program,
providing education and free water conservation products to the public and continue to coordinate
with other water districts .
GOAL #4
Control erosion in barrier beaches and coastal banks to the greatest extent possible to
protect important wildlife habitat and recreational amenities and provide storm surge
protection.
Actions
A. Accomplish the Sandy Neck Beach Park coastal resiliency project.
206 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan
GOAL #5
Develop a long-term restoration plan for the town’s salt marshes.
Actions
A. Identify and map potential areas for marsh migration and prioritize protection of these areas.
B. Establish techniques to increase accretion of saltwater marshes to help them keep up with sea level
rise over time.
C. Build on the work conducted to date through the Ecosystem Restoration Program in collaboration
with the Association to Preserve Cape Cod.
D. Continue to identify and protect the Town’s remaining eelgrass beds.
GOAL #6
Update and expand the scope of the Town’s Coastal Resource Management Plan (2009)
to provide guidance for the various competing uses of all the Town’s harbors and coastal
resources including balancing protecting habitat and overall coastal water quality and
providing coastal access for passive and active water dependent recreational activities.
Actions
A. Explore establishing moratoriums on new (non pre-existing) or expansion of existing docks and
moorings until the plan is updated to evaluate the effects of these structures on shellfish and other
habitat .
B. Evaluate proactive planning and permitting to protect endangered species habitat while still
providing recreational opportunity to the public.
GOAL #7
Within lake and pond recharge areas, development or redevelopment located within 300 feet
of freshwater water bodies shall be required to meet critical nutrient loading standards.
Actions
A. Continue to explore requiring or incentivizing innovative/alternative (I/A) technologies in priority
areas not identified to be sewered through the Town’s Comprehensive Wastewater Plan (CWMP)
and ensure appropriate management of septic systems.
B. Provide outreach to property owners so they are aware of and take advantage of the state tax credit
for installing an (I/A) system.
C. Develop a pilot project for innovative/alternative (I/A) septic systems for properties not identified to
be sewered within the timeframe of this plan.
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 207
GOAL #8
Continue to coordinate an inventory and analysis of all of the Town’s freshwater ponds and
lakes to evaluate the status of each waterbody including water quality and additional impacts
like flooding.
Actions
A. Continue to institute the Town’s pond management program that evaluates ecological health and
stressors for priority ponds and offers recommendations for management and restoration.
GOAL #9
Maximize the ecological health of the Town’s 5 herring runs.
Actions
A. Identify and map obstructions along the herring runs.
GOAL #10
Examine opportunities to enhance communications to abutters for large-scale proposals
submitted to the Conservation Commission.
Actions
A. Explore the ability to require notification of proposals within 300 feet of a pond to all property
owners along the pond shoreline .
GOAL #11
Establish a living list of native and climate resilient tree and shrub species of all sizes that can
thrive in current and future climate conditions projected for the region, paired with a list of
complementary best practices for planting and maintenance
Actions
A. At application, provide applicant with the tree and shrub list to promote biodiversity especially
within wetland buffers and forested areas and provide guidance for urban verses rural streetscaping
and for open space environments .
208 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan
GOAL #12
Increase tree canopy and vegetation buffers to protect sensitive areas and enhance
wildlife habitat.
Actions
A. Continue to implement the Greening Hyannis program to increase tree canopy.
B. The Conservation Commission shall establish objective and consistent criteria for requiring a larger
buffer (e.g. where the standard buffers are inadequate to protect sensitive areas or where the
site conditions such as slopes or soils suggest that a larger buffer is necessary to prevent adverse
impacts).
GOAL #13
Analyze town-owned properties to identify areas, especially within the right-of-way, that can
be improved with vegetation, such as existing medians.
Actions
A. Explore opportunities to expand the Town’s Adopt-A-Spot Program and prioritize use of low-mainte-
nance native perennials.
GOAL #14
Explore opportunities to increase aquaculture on the south side of Town.
Actions
A. [TEXT]
GOAL #15
The Town will consider regulations that place more responsibility on property owners
regarding environmentally sound practices, and lead by example with its own practices,
including, but not limited to:
Actions
A. Explore incentivizes for ecological landscaping and the reduction of lawn areas.
B. Establish regulations on fertilizer, herbicides, and pesticides.
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 209
GOAL #16
The Town will pursue the goals of its Open Space and Recreation Plan, adopted in 2018,
including:
Actions
A. Increase open space to enhance environmental protection, recreational opportunities and commu-
nity character .
B. Develop priority list of parcels for “undevelopment” for traffic mitigation and associated open space
protection
C. Evaluate success of the Town’s Open Space Residential development (aka “cluster”) ordinance in
preserving open space, and develop recommendation to revise the ordinance.
D. Identify and prioritize parcels for protection through easements, conservation restrictions and other
non-regulatory means
E. Encourage the accommodation of public access rights in conservation restrictions on non-sensitive
land through establishing an incentive program for landowner donations
GOAL #17
Continue to expand the Ways to Water Program, to re-establish and/or designate through
appropriate legal means traditional rights of ways to the water to ensure that these are not
lost or abandoned.
Actions
A. Continue to develop and maintain signage, and outreach programs, including GIS mapping for
posting to the Town’s website.
210 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan
CHAPTER 7
Infrastructure
Vision Statement
» Enable people to travel safely and efficiently by
the mode of their choice .`
» Build essential infrastructure that is resilient,
adaptable, and sustainable and minimizes its
environmental impact .
» Protect and improve the quality and quantity of
our drinking water .
Prepare and adapt to climate impacts including sea level rise .
212 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan
Image caption here. Praesent commodo cursus magna.
213
7 Infrastructure
Why Infrastructure Matters
The Town of Barnstable protects, preserves, and
improves a broad range of facilities and
infrastructure that serves to meet and enhance
the current and future social and economic
needs of the community and contribute to a
healthy, safe, and quality environment . The level
at which these services are delivered is influ-
enced by changes in population, development,
environmental factors, regulatory changes, and
economic conditions. Evaluating service capacity
in combination with anticipated changes in
community needs can help the Town determine
strategic infrastructure and program investments
for the near- and long-term .
Please see Section 4: Built Systems of the
Existing Conditions Report for more detailed
information on water supply, wastewater
management, stormwater management, trans-
portation, and public services and utilities.
Infrastructure Actions Since 2010
Since the Local Comprehensive Plan was last
updated in 2010, the regional approach to
infrastructure, especially as it relates to water
resource management, changed dramatically.
In 2015, Cape Cod’s Area Wide Water Quality
Management Plan, commonly known as the
208 Plan, was adopted by Governor Charlie
Baker and provided the region with a framework
to restore embayment water quality on Cape
Cod . In the years since, the Town of Barnstable,
responding to years of underinvestment
in centralized wastewater infrastructure,
actions from outside organizations such as the
Conservation Law Foundation, and eventually
2023 changes to DEP Title V regulations, crafted,
adopted and is implementing a Comprehensive
Wastewater Management Plan .
The Town has also worked proactively to address
the needs of its transportation system, looking
not just to maintain the 250 miles of public road-
ways, but to evaluate how streets can be made
safer for all users and make contributions to a
community that has a healthier and improved
quality of life .
All of the efforts above are done within the
context of both planning for future climate
resilience, and responding to the impacts of
more frequent and intense storms experienced
over the last decade .
Policies, Priorities, and Plans
The 2010 LCP called for the creation and
adoption of several new or updated plans, many
of which have been addressed since then .
Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan
The CWMP is a town-wide, state approved,
science-based plan to protect Barnstable’s
coastal waters, ponds, and drinking water by
managing nutrient pollution from wastewater.
This 30-year plan will cost an estimated $1.4
billion to implement .
214 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 215
Image caption here.
Water Supply New Source Alternatives Report
To address regulatory requirements for water
supply redundancy and long-term planning,
a study of potential future well sites was
conducted for public property across the Town
of Barnstable . Seven sites were determined for
additional test well drilling, and nine wells were
constructed across the seven sites in spring
2020, six of which were deemed hydro-geologi-
cally favorable . Sites were evaluated and ranked
based on pump yield and water quality test
results. The Bridge Creek Conservation Area in
West Barnstable was deemed an advantageous
site due to a potential yield almost 10-times
greater than other sites .
Complete Streets
The Town of Barnstable is seeking to improve the
travel experience for all users of its streets –
motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists . In January
of 2022, the Town of Barnstable was officially
recognized as a Complete Streets community
with an approved policy . A Complete Streets
Prioritization Plan was developed with assistance
from the Cape Cod Commission that includes
a priority list of ranked multi-modal projects to
improve safety for all users, including motorists,
pedestrians, transit users and bicyclists for
people of all ages and abilities, while making
streets safer, sustainable, and more accessible to
promote a more livable community . The project
Commented [KM1]: An explanation of what Complete
Streets means.
allows the Town to obtain up to $500,000 in
construction funding grants from MassDOT to
implement complete streets projects included in
the Plan .
Downtown Hyannis Great Streets
The Downtown Hyannis Great Streets effort was
focused on a study area including Hyannis Main
Street and the surrounding roadway network
and sought to address congestion, placing more
of an emphasis on pedestrians, enhance the
public realm through placemaking in support of
economic development, employ traffic calming
measures to enhance safety, and encourage
multi-modal transportation. The Town of
Barnstable’s Planning & Development and Public
Works Departments partnered with walkability
expert Jeff Speck and Stantec Consulting Services
to complete this project . The end result of this
process was buildable street designs concepts
that convert the one-way network to two-way
travel, address key intersections including ‘Six
Points’ at South Street, Ocean Street and Old
Colony Road, add proposed bicycle network, and
create enhanced public spaces .
Parking Management Plan
The 2017 Parking Management Plan for
Downtown Hyannis developed a comprehensive
approach for the entire downtown parking
system, with the goal of providing convenient,
accessible parking as part of a multi-modal
transportation system. The plan sought to maxi-
mize value of the existing parking system, better
connect the harbor to downtown, and develop a
wayfinding and signage strategy for downtown.
Cape Cod Commission Low Lying Roads
Cape Cod Commission worked with all 15 Cape
towns to examine vulnerabilities in the roadway
network and identify adaptation alternatives.
The Commission conducted a vulnerability
assessment of roadway segments, bridges, and
culverts due to flooding from the combined
effects of sea level rise and storm surge. The
project employed state of the art modeling and
community engagement to identify and prioritize
low lying roads to target for coastal resiliency
action. The Town received design solutions for
two road segments: Bridge Street, Osterville and
Ocean Street, Hyannis .
Issues & Opportunities
The facilities and infrastructure maintained by
the Town of Barnstable face challenges including
resilience to climate change (sea-level rise,
intense storms, etc.), rising costs of construction
and maintenance, and fluctuating seasonal
demand . The Town has the opportunity, through
anticipating needs and regulations, evaluating
changing environmental and social conditions,
and coordinating implementation, to protect,
preserve, and improve facilities and infrastruc-
ture for the next generation.
Transportation
Barnstable seeks to invest in safe, accessible, and
affordable transportation for all its residents.
Barnstable’s Community
Resilience building workshop
identified low-lying infrastructure
as a most concerning challenge
facing the Town considering
flooding and sea level rise impacts
from climate change, and many
critical facilities lie within vulner-
able areas of the Town, threat-
ened by sea level rise, SLOSH (Sea,
Lake, and Overland Surges from
Hurricanes), and/or flooding.
216 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 217
Image caption here.
Transportation systems and connectivity across
Barnstable are contributors to long-term
economic vitality and the overall resiliency of
the community . There is a lack of access across
Barnstable, with limited fixed bus routes to
connect individuals surrounding communities, to
popular beaches and open space, or to connect
villagers to the community at large . The Cape
Cod Rail Trail stops at Barnstable’s east and west
border but does not yet traverse the town .
Challenges in the urban center of Hyannis
include the upkeep of sidewalks and street-
scapes, one-way roads unfamiliar to visitors,
and an abundance of disparate parking lots .166
Connections from downtown Hyannis to Hyannis
Harbor include multiple intersections, one-way
roads, and high stress pedestrian infrastructure .
Residents and visitors would benefit from more
connective infrastructure that helps pedestrians
and cyclists navigate downtown with municipal
parking opportunities on the periphery.
A lot of travel though Barnstable is auto-centric .
Three main east-to-west roadways go through
Barnstable: U.S. Route 6/Mid-Cape Highway,
Route 6A/Old King’s Highway, and Route 28/
Falmouth Road . According to mobile count data
from the Cape Cod Commission, Barnstable has
some of the highest volume-to-capacity thresh-
olds in Cape Cod throughout the year . Between
2012 and 2016, seven of the region’s top ten
crash locations were on Route 28 in Barnstable.167
Furthermore, storm surge, culvert flooding, and
sea level rise at times make many roads along the
north and south bays impassable .
166 Economic Development Analysis Interview – October 14, 2022.
167 Cape Cod Commission. 2020 Regional Transportation Plan. Technical Appendix G: Congestion Management Plan. July 15, 2019.
Commented [KM2]: Perhaps it would be appropriate to
include a sentence to update the status of the Rail Trail plan
and construction.
Commented [KM3]: Is there more up-to-date crash data?
The Town allocates at least $3.75 million annually
to the public roads pavement management
program, in addition to annual operating budgets
dedicated to administration, engineering, highway
maintenance, and snow and ice response . The
Town currently maintains a modest budget to
address private roads ($93,000) and also provides
snow and ice response. The Town is actively
discussing and evaluating the fiscal and operating
impacts of taking private roads, especially
those impacted by implementation of the
Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan,
those that are primary and collector roads, and
those who have participated in the Temporary
Repairs to Private Road program (23 roads) or
have had recent sewer installation. To date, staff
has evaluated private roads impacted by the
CWMP and has begun to pursue easements to
certify its right to utilities in said roads, as well
as inventoried private roads that are eligible for
maintenance under special legislation passed in
2014 (44 roads).
Major contributors to car reliance are certain
public transportation limitations, such as
limited bus service (particularly in West
Barnstable, Barnstable, and Cotuit)) and a
dearth of protected, connected biking
infrastructure . Fortunately, there are many
services that
address these limitations. The Cape Cod Regional
Transit Authority (CCRTA) offers a door-to-door,
appointment-based ride service called DART .168
In collaboration with CCRTA, the Council on
Aging offers a Silver Express service for elderly
individuals, where the fares are suggested
Image caption here.
donations.169 CCRTA provides additional trans-
portation opportunities to help people get to
appointments at major Boston-area hospitals .170
Bus passengers can bring standard two-wheel
bicycles on buses, helping to address limited
connectivity between bike paths. Additional
bus options include the Plymouth and Brockton
bus line and the Peter Pan bus line, which bring
residents to and from Boston’s South Station and
Logan Airport .171
Other public transportation options include the
seasonal CapeFLYER rail service, which operates
on weekends from Memorial Day through Labor
Day, bringing people to and from Boston and
Southeastern Massachusetts.172
Steamship Authority ferries and Hy-line Cruises
(a subsidiary of the Steamship Authority) take
travelers to and from Barnstable and Nantucket
and Martha's Vineyard.
168 Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority: “Overview, DART: Dial-A-Ride Transportation.” Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority.
Accessed October 2022
169 “Transportation.” Barnstable Council on Aging. Accessed October 2022.
170 Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority: “Boston Hospital, The Cape to Boston Hospitals.” Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority.
Accessed October 2022
171 “Plymouth and Brockton Daily Bus Routes.” Plymouth & Brockton. Accessed October 2022.
172 Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority: “CapeFLYER Schedules & Services.” Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority. Accessed October
2022. https://capecodrta.org/schedules-services/capeflyer/
218 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 219 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 219
Infrastructure Fact Sheet
Town of Barnstable Infrastructure by the Mile
83 miles of existing sewer linesX
190 miles of sewer lines that the Comprehensive Wastewater
Management Plan calls for adding to the Town's sewer
collection system over the next 30 yearsX
260 miles of public roadsX
190 miles of private roadsX
84 miles of sidewalk/shared use paths along town roadsX
40 miles of broadband fiberX
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X Fusce dapibus, tellus ac cursus commodo, tortor mauris condimentum nibh, ut fermentum massa justo sit amet risus.
X Donec id elit non mi porta gravida at eget metus.
X Sed posuere consectetur est at lobortis.
X Nulla vitae elit libero, a pharetra augue.
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 220 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 220
Capital Facilities
Drinking Water
The Barnstable drinking water supply is provided
by the Cape Cod sole source aquifer, an
underground layer of porous soil through which
groundwater can flow. Its sandy nature leaves the
Cape Cod aquifer vulnerable to contamination
since there is less time for natural filtration.
All of Cape Cod is reliant on this aquifer for its
drinking water (excluding, of course, any water
transported to Cape Cod from elsewhere), making
it an especially important resource to protect .
The Town of Barnstable Water Supply Division,
an enterprise account-funded division under the
Department of Public Works, was created by
action of the Town Council following the Town’s
acquisition of the assets of the Barnstable
Water Company in May 2005 . This Division is
responsible for management of the water
distribution system primarily utilized by the
residents and businesses in Hyannis . Outside of
Hyannis, there are four independently governed
water districts: Barnstable, West Barnstable,
Centerville-Osterville-Marstons Mills, and Cotuit .
West Barnstable has water commissioners, but
they do not provide public water; all properties
in West Barnstable are served by private wells .
Threats to water security and water resources
generally are chemicals, including polyfluoroalkyl
and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), whose
presence has been increasingly identified locally.
The Town of Barnstable tests for PFAS and a
variety of other pollutants and treats water to
meet or exceed all public health standards.
Wastewater Management
Protecting water quality is vital to the health
and future of the Barnstable community and
the region, and wastewater management plays
a critical role. Infrastructure to handle and
treat wastewater (household, commercial, and
Water infrastructure, from
culverts and drainage to
wastewater treatment to drinking
water, is critical to public health.
industrial wastes) can protect our embayments
and groundwater for the health of the commu-
nity and the natural environment . Barnstable’s
wastewater and sewer infrastructure include
a secondary wastewater treatment plant, 30
sewage pump stations, and 55 miles of collection
sewers, a pretreatment program for industrial
wastewater, and a laboratory for process
control/testing.
Septic systems are proportionally the biggest
source of nitrogen contamination throughout
Cape Cod, harming ecosystems and potentially
affecting water resources. Fortunately, they are
also the most addressable source of nitrogen
contamination. Additional efforts by the Town of
Barnstable to reduce nitrogen from point source
contamination include a geographic information
systems (GIS) tool that analyzes the water
conditions on a lot-by-lot basis. The CWMP calls
to expand the Town’s sewer collection system by
approximately 190 miles of sewer lines over 30
years . Climate change poses risks to Barnstable’s
wastewater systems since more frequent and
intense storms and sea level rise could threaten
infrastructure, including sewer pumping stations.
Additionally, nonprofits, like the Barnstable
Clean Water Coalition (BCWC), have worked with
the Environmental Protection Agency to
implement innovative/alternative wastewater
solutions, such as alternative septic systems, bog
restoration, and dredging.
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 221 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 221
Stormwater Management
Stormwater includes all precipitation and
snowmelt that runs off surfaces such as roofs,
pavement, and even lawns instead of absorbing
into soil and natural groundcover . The United
States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
has identified disturbance of land and polluted
stormwater runoff as major sources of water
pollution and has mandated local action to miti-
gate this pollutant through a Municipal Separate
Storm Sewer System (MS4) Permit requirement
for each applicable municipality, including
the Town of Barnstable. Managing runoff is
necessary for the protection of the Town of
Barnstable’s water bodies and groundwater
resources and to safeguard the public health,
safety, and welfare and the natural resources of
the Town .
The Town is currently pursuing Municipal
Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) compliance
through updated local standards and
regulations. These regulations seek
to achieve proper treatment and
management of stormwater runoff
to improve water quality and capture and treat
runoff which can contain sediment, bacteria,
fertilizers, oils, pesticides, and other harmful
chemicals before it gets to our water bodies and
groundwater resources .
In addition, the Town and other partners have
been working to establish, maintain, and
leverage green stormwater infrastructure (GSI).
GSI methods reduce and treat runoff while also
providing shade, habitat, and beautification
and include approaches such as rain gardens,
removing impervious cover, and constructed
wetlands . In the Three Bays Watershed, the
Town of Barnstable DPW has recently collab-
orated with APCC, the Horsley Witten Group
(a consulting firm), and several environmental
non-profit organizations to implement several
GSI approaches .
Energy
An effective energy policy and implementation
program should include energy efficiency,
distributed generation, renewable energy
components, and a plan to measure, monitor,
and reduce energy consumption town wide.
The Town of Barnstable has inventoried
greenhouse gas emissions at town-owned
buildings and is working to reduce greenhouse
gas emissions (GHGs) including through energy
efficiency and renewable energy efforts. The
town has efforts underway to increase the
use of renewable energy at town facilities and
pursue electrification of facilities and fleets.
These efforts support the overall resilience of
the town’s infrastructure and facilities, and can
promote healthier indoor environments .
Image caption here.
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 222 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 222
Waste Management
The solid waste facility in Barnstable is managed
by the Barnstable DPW through its Solid Waste
Division . The solid waste facility, a transfer
station, is located in Marstons Mills, which
is operated strictly for solid waste generated
within the Town of Barnstable . The facility
accepts trash (municipal solid waste), in addition
to recycling paper products, cans and bottles,
plastics (where appropriate), leaves, scrap metal,
white goods, motor oil, televisions, rechargeable
batteries, computer monitors, tires, paint,
mattresses, mercury products, fluorescent
bulbs, cell phones, books and food waste . The
recycling program also supports clothing and
bottle redemption donations as well as a swap
shop . Households in Barnstable can buy up to
two Transfer Station Permits that they can use
for household recycling and waste every week .
Accommodation is made for residents facing
financial hardship. There are opportunities
throughout the year for hazardous waste collec-
tion for both households and local businesses
through the County Extension’s Household
Hazardous Waste program .
Maps
Mapping is an important tool for visualizing
natural resources policies . The maps below can
help the community see where important facil-
ities and infrastructure exist today and where
they are planned for the future .
Please see the Existing Conditions Report for a
fuller range of maps.
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 223 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 223
Image caption here.
Goals & Actions
GOAL #1
Identify and prioritize improvements to low-lying roads to improve resilience.
Actions
A. Implement the preferred conceptual design options for Bridge Street and Ocean Street as identified
in the Cape Cod Commission's Low-Lying Roads Project .
GOAL #2
Expand transit options within and to employment centers, village centers, and areas of
concentrated residential development. Explore options for increasing Barnstable’s connec-
tivity with off-Cape destinations, including by rail.
Actions
A. Coordinate with the Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority (CCRTA) to enhance transit options to
existing and potential developments.
B. Seek opportunities to extend the CapeFLYER to provide year-round service.
GOAL #3
Address accessibility deficiencies across Barnstable’s transportation system, making transpor-
tation options safe and accessible for people of all ages and abilities, languages, and cultures.
Actions
A. Conduct an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance audit on the accessibility and safety
of bus stops and other transit facilities, busy intersections and intersections with high crash rates,
roadway signage, etc. Prioritize this analysis within Hyannis and use lessons learned to expand the
audit townwide .
B. Continue to coordinate the Downtown Hyannis Great Streets project for the conversion of Main
Street and surrounding street networks to two-way circulation to support safe and walkable
neighborhoods .
226 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan
GOAL #4
Explore multi-modal facilities and operations to reduce vehicle travel and land dedicated to
parking in Downtown Hyannis for ferry service.
Actions
A. Explore ability to coordinate remote parking access as well as opportunities to improve pedestrian
and bicycle access to transportation hubs such as the Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority and the
Cape Cod Gateway Airport .
GOAL #5
Use parking facilities to their full capacity and look for opportunities to develop joint uses.
Actions
A. Explore regulatory opportunities to incentivize joint uses for underutilized parking lots.
GOAL #6
Continue to pursue roadway easements for sewer installation on private roads impacted by
the Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan.
Actions
A. Develop a policy for the Town to take over ownership and responsibility of private roads .
GOAL #7
Actively participate, submit projects, and seek priority on the Cape Cod Transportation
Improvement Program (TIP) to leverage State and Federal funding for local and/or regional
priority transportation projects.
Actions
A. Continue to prioritize submission of priority roadway improvement projects to the TIP.
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 227
GOAL #8
Continue to build out the Town’s system of bike lanes, bike paths, bike routes, and related
amenities, prioritizing safety and connections with other existing bikeways, the future Cape
Cod Rail Trail, and linkages to public facilities, recreation and conservation areas, village
centers, educational facilities, the Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority, etc.
Actions
A. Complete the Cape Cod Rail Trail in Barnstable that connects from Yarmouth to Sandwich and
coordinate multi-modal connections to the Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority.
GOAL #9
Continue to implement the Town’s Complete Streets Policy and Prioritization Plan.
Actions
A. Submit priority roadway improvement projects to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation
to obtain funding for construction of the projects.
B. Implement traffic calming measures and incorporate public spaces where possible with the design of
new roadways .
GOAL #10
Continue to implement the Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan (CWMP) and coor-
dinate updates as required by such factors as growth, environmental impact or regulatory
requirements to address the community’s wastewater needs as prescribed by regional, state,
and federal regulations.
Actions
A. Evaluate implementation (required time period) to confirm that the Town is meeting the goals
defined within the CWMP. Additionally, confirm that the Town is addressing innovative/alternative
(I/A) septic systems actions further defined within the Natural Resources chapter for properties not
identified to be sewered through the CWMP.
GOAL #11
Coordinate next steps on expanding water supply infrastructure to comply with redundancy
requirements and plan for long-term resilience.
Actions
A. Develop one or more new public well sites and develop associated financial strategies.
228 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan
GOAL #12
Continue to update water treatment technology to address regulatory mandates
and emerging and known contaminants.
Actions
A. Explore future expansion of water treatment plan.
GOAL #13
Continue to update aging and undersized culverts to improve coastal resiliency, emergency
hazard response, and water quality, and restore wildlife habitat, where feasible.
Actions
A. Update culvert inventory to develop a prioritization plan to coordinate future improvements.
GOAL #14
Continue to update and monitor existing greenhouse gas emissions inventories and execute
projects to reduce emissions.
Actions
A. Develop an Energy Efficiency Plan to refine and outline energy reduction goals, strategies to reduce
energy consumption and improve energy efficiency, and how progress towards goals will be tracked.
GOAL #15
Target improvements to roadways and intersections with the highest crash rate to reduce the
number of vehicle and pedestrian crashes and to improve the safety of all users.
Actions
A. Coordinate Road Safety Audits (RSA) for existing intersections to examine road safety issues and to
identify opportunities for improvements in safety for all road users.
GOAL #16
Develop a town-wide lighting survey to determine where additional street lighting is neces-
sary to improve vehicular and pedestrian safety.
Actions
A. Develop a Lighting Plan that focuses on frequently traveled roadways, bike and pedestrian corridors
used for daily travel to work and at intersections with high nighttime crash rates.
B. Set lighting standards that reduce or eliminate glare and light pollution into the night sky.
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 229
CHAPTER 8
Facilities
Vision Statement
» Create a healthy, safe community, and care for
those in need .
Provide access to high-quality public education,
healthcare, human and social services, and a
healthy environment .
Formatted: Font: 16 pt, Font color: Red
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Formatted: Font: 22 pt, Font color: Red
230 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan
Image caption here. Praesent commodo cursus magna.
231
8 Facilities
Why Town Facilities Matter
The Town of Barnstable’s facilities play an
important role in enhancing the health,
safety, education, and economic vitality of the
community for both residents and visitors .
These facilities provide a platform for delivering
a diverse range of educational and recreational
services and programs, catering to various
ages and interests and fostering a vibrant and
connected community .
Please see Section 2: Built Systems of the Existing
Conditions Report for more detailed information
on town facilities.
Facilities Actions Since 2010
The Town of Barnstable last adopted its LCP
in 2010 . A great deal of work was put into the
development of that plan, and it has been
actively implemented over the past fourteen
years . Below is a high-level overview of some
notable implementation achievements related to
Town Facilities.
Policies, Priorities & Plans
The 2010 LCP called for the creation and
adoption of several new or updated plans, many
of which have been addressed since then .
Town of Barnstable ADA Self Evaluation and
Transition Plan (2021)
Identifies issues and conditions that could
impact individuals with disabilities and sets
forth a written process and method to modify,
replace, or remove identified Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance issues and
conditions over time.
Town of Barnstable Legacy Program (2022)
Provides a uniform and mindful process for
requests to honor Barnstable community
members on public properties, through the
purchase and placement of items that incorpo-
rate recognition or commemoration.
Cape Cod Gateway Airport Master Plan (2022)
The Master Plan is a long-term land use plan
for the Gateway Airport required by the Federal
Aviation Administration (FAA). The primary
objectives of the Master Plan are to ensure safe
and operationally efficient facilities that meet
FAA standards, develop feasible and flexible alter-
natives to meet forecasted demand, and define
compatible land uses surrounding the airport.
The Town of Barnstable Hazard
Mitigation Plan (HMP) Update
(2022) maps critical facilities,
including shelters, hospitals,
wastewater infrastructure, nursing
homes, schools, and others.
Mitigation Action #20 in the HMP
is to identify, evaluate, and fund
measures to reduce risks to these
critical facilities.
232 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 233 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 233
Image caption here.
Barnstable Public Schools Facilities Condition
Assessment (2023)
Analysis of existing conditions of the ten (10)
Barnstable Public School buildings totaling
1,062,600 gross square feet, a space utilization
assessment, and identification of more than
1,000 individual capital improvement projects .
Open Space and Recreation Plan (2018)
The Open Space and Recreation Plan (OSRP) is a
blueprint to guide the Town’s plans, investments,
policies and regulations in support of protecting
and enhancing open space and recreation
resources. It provides a realistic plan of action
to address issues, challenges and opportunities
to meet the community’s open space and
recreation needs.
Hazard Mitigation Plan Update (2022)
Identifies and profiles the Town’s risk and vulner-
ability to potential natural hazards. Specifically,
this plan assesses the potential impacts of hurri-
canes, winter storms, shoreline change/coastal
erosion, earthquakes, drought/wildfire, and dam
failure and identifies properties, resources, and
critical facilities which may be impacted by these
hazard events. The plan identifies mitigation
strategies and actions aimed at reducing the loss
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 234 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 234
of or damage to life, property, infrastructure and
natural, cultural, and economic resources .
Comprehensive Athletic Fields and Courts Study
(Weston & Sampson for DPW) (2017)
The purpose of the study was to determine the
types, quantities, and potential locations of
athletic fields needed by the Town both now and
in the future . The scope of work included docu-
menting existing usage, understanding potential
future usages based on trends, and comparing
that information with an inventory and condition
assessment of existing fields to create a 20-year
Strategic Plan for capital expenditure, mainte-
nance, and future field development.
Projects & Initiatives
The 2010 LCP called for many strategies and
actions for the Town to pursue related to Facilities.
Below is a summary of the key achievements .
Facility Improvements: Structures
Several improvements have been achieved for
structures over the last 5 to 10 years including
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
accessibility improvements at the Barnstable
Community Innovation School and Town Hall
including renovating the restrooms at Town
Hall and ADA parking spaces at the Innovation
School; structural repair and replacement
including replacement of the entire roofing
system at the Barnstable Community Innovation
School, replacement of the fire sprinkler at
the Senior Center, replacement of the truss
system within the cafeteria at the Hyannis
West Elementary School, removal and
replacement of the unit heaters and chiller
at the Barnstable Police Department and
removal and replacement of windows at the
West Barnstable Community Building; interior
renovations including renovation of the Senior
Center kitchen, interior upgrades the Barnstable
Police Department, and replacement of lavatory
Resilient infrastructure and
municipal facilities that
can maintain operation during
and after shocks are crucial for
providing critical Town services
including energy, transport,
water, wastewater, waste, and
digital communication. While
this infrastructure itself is
subject to climate impacts and
extreme weather, it also plays a
role in determining if and how the
Town can help its residents during
such events.
fixtures and drinking fountains at Barnstable
United Elementary School .
Facility Improvements: Fields
Several improvements have been achieved for
fields over the last 5 to 10 years including full
reconstruction of the existing softball field and
improvements to the parking area at Lombard
Field as well as relocation of Luke’s Love play-
ground and memorial brick walk and installation
of 12 pickleball courts and related site work in
Marstons Mills .
Community Preservation Act (CPA)
Facilities Efforts
Between 2006–2024 a total of $6,581,169
dollars were awarded with Community
Preservation Act (CPA) funds in support of 25
recreation projects. Projects include topograph-
ical survey and design for the Cape Cod Rail
Trail; playground construction, renovation and
equipment; and design and maintenance for and
construction of recreation fields.
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 235 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 235
69 33
Facilities Fact Sheet
There are 89 ways to water
in the Town of Barnstable
including: marinas,
beaches, landings,
bulkheads, docks, parks,
and boat ramps .
50
79 80
64 65
66
67
68 85
82 23
70
58
48 49
61 28 6 24
2
29
63 71
77 84
83
47 27 57
26 8 78
89 9 88
22 60
38
1 25 55
56 44 45 53
81 75 42
46 30
34 10 41
5 17 86 3 36 76
40 11
39 21
59 54 31
14 43 16
52
4
19 72 7 18
73
62
87 12
13
74
51 35
20
37 32
Between 2006 and
2024 a total of
$6,581,169
was awarded
with Community
Preservation Act (CPA)
funds in support of 25
recreation projects .
There are 102 facilities managed by
the Town of Barnstable including:
19 tennis courts
10 pickleball courts
16 softball fields
23 baseball fields
19 rectangular fields
16 playgrounds
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Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 236 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 236
Image caption here.
Issues & Opportunities
The facilities maintained by the Town of
Barnstable face challenges including resilience
to climate change, rising costs of construction
and maintenance, and fluctuating seasonal
demand . The Town has the opportunity, through
anticipating needs and regulations, evaluating
environmental and social conditions, and coordi-
nating implementation to protect, preserve, and
improve town facilities for the next generation.
Public Facilities and Services
Public Safety
With a staff of almost 150, the Barnstable Police
Department is one of the busiest dispatch
centers in Massachusetts. Staff have outgrown
existing office spaces and now employ cubicles
and village substations to supplement facility
needs. In addition, the Department has reported
staffing/hiring challenges.
Barnstable is divided into five fire districts,
independently governed by elected Prudential
Committees, for the provision of emergency
services including fire and emergency medical
response. The Hyannis Fire District was the first
district formed in 1896 after Town Meeting
rejected the creation of a town-wide fire
department due to Barnstable’s size and number
of villages . All components of public safety face
seasonal fluctuations in community needs with
an influx of tourists and seasonal populations.
Libraries
Barnstable is home to seven independent
libraries, with one private, non-profit organiza-
tion contracted with the Town in each village
to provide library services to residents . These
seven libraries offer diverse life-long educational
opportunities, including youth and adult
programming, museum passes, and access to
databases and eBooks . They are each a beloved
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 237 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 237
cultural institution and critical to the social
cohesion of the villages and neighborhoods they
serve . The libraries face challenges including
aging buildings and limited physical space . In
particular, the Hyannis Public Library, recently
developed plans to renovate a portion of the
existing building and to add a new addition
which will support expanding and evolving
programming and services . The proposed reno-
vation features a teaching kitchen, a children’s
room as well as a separate youth section, flexible
spaces to host a range of activities including
large workshops and individual study and
enhanced access to multiple outdoor spaces.
Education
The Barnstable Public School District benefits
from a diverse student body and a low student
to teacher ratio (11.6 students per teacher),
meaning more opportunities for individualized
teaching and care . The district faces challenges,
such as aging buildings, limited physical space,
and discouraging long-term enrollment trends .
Additionally, Cape Cod’s high cost of living
and housing makes it harder for the district to
recruit and maintain teachers, administrators,
and other staff. According to the Massachusetts
Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS), as
of 2023, Barnstable students’ performance is
“partially meeting expectations”.
West Barnstable is home to Cape Cod
Community College, which offers associate
degree programs. Additionally, Cape Cod
Regional Technical High School (in nearby
Harwich) provides training in different trades,
such as plumbing, carpentry, and culinary arts .
These and other resources help individuals
enhance technical skills, achieve career goals,
and meet the needs of the ever-changing
regional economy .
Community Centers
The Barnstable Adult Community
Center (BACC) and the Hyannis
Youth Community Center (HYCC)
continue to serve as focal points for many
community recreation programs and services.
The Barnstable Adult Community Center Master
Plan project is currently analyzing available
development and recreational opportunities on
the property around the BACC . Built in 2009, the
Hyannis Youth and Community Center offers a
year-round indoor sports complex with two ice
rinks, a multi-sport gymnasium, and a walking
track . This property has the opportunity for
master planning and expansion of recreational
amenities. There is also an opportunity
to replace the now-demolished Osterville
Recreation Building with a new, modern recre-
ation center.
Recreational Resources
The highlight of Barnstable’s recreational
infrastructure is its beaches . Beach and/or
bathhouse improvement needs have been
identified at Hamblin Pond, Joshua’s Pond,
Dowses, Sea Street, Covell’s, Loops, and
Kalmus. An evaluation should be conducted to
determine if bathhouses should be improved
or replaced. Opportunities for enhancement of
the Veteran’s Park Beach and Hathaway’s Pond
with additional recreational amenities (splash
pad, playground equipment) also exist. The JFK
Memorial on Ocean Street is also in great need
of renovation. There have been recent efforts to
provide safe, accessible playground facilities in
all of the villages, supported by the Community
Preservation Committee. Recent accomplish-
ments include improvements to Luke’s Love
Playground in West Barnstable, Barnstable
Hollow in Barnstable Village and improvements
to playgrounds in Centerville and Osterville are
underway. Recreational access to the water
is a consistently high priority when residents
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 238 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 238
are surveyed through the Open Space and
Recreation Planning process. Boat ramps and
marinas, including Gary Brown, Wequaquet, and
Prince Cove, have annually reoccurring issues
with overcrowding and lack of trailer parking .
Scudder Lane and Bay Street experience parking
issues during shellfish season. Opportunities
to enhance public waterfront access should be
explored when they arise.
The Town owns and operates two public golf
courses . The maintenance of these courses are
funded through an enterprise account and the
Town should continue to evaluate capital needs,
revenues, and opportunities for the future for
these properties.
Historic Buildings
Over time, the Town has acquired a number of
historic buildings and associated properties to
secure their preservation. Some of these build-
ings come with deferred maintenance issues,
and others should be maintained in accordance
with historic standards . Some buildings, like
Town Hall, host town offices, and others, like
Burgess House and the Zion Union Heritage
Church, serve civic functions. Strategies should
be put in place for continuing to prioritize the
needs of these historic structures over time.
Maps
Mapping is an important tool for visualizing
policies . The maps below can help the community
see where town services and facilities exist today.
Please see the Existing Conditions Report for a
fuller range of maps.
Image caption here.
Goals & Actions
GOAL #1
Provide well-maintained public facilities and services that serve the current and future social,
economic, cultural, safety, traffic, and communication needs of the community; that are
equitably distributed; and are provided with minimal environmental impact.
Actions
A. The Town will support and encourage the joint planning, siting, development and use of public
facilities and services through interdepartmental coordination and in collaboration with community
organizations in areas of mutual concern and benefit in order to maximize efficiency, reduce costs,
and minimize impacts on the environment such as conducting a needs assessment for ongoing
operations for the Hyannis Youth and Community Center.
B. Monitor and benchmark services and infrastructure necessary to support development and redevel-
opment without decreasing levels of service adopted by this plan to ensure there will be adequate
personnel levels consistent with population and demographic needs.
GOAL #2
Provide high quality public safety services for the residents of Barnstable through cost
effective maintenance and upgrades of facilities and equipment.
Actions
A. Develop mechanism to calculate public safety services impact when development is proposed .
B. Continue to implement goals defined within the Comprehensive Athletic Fields and Courts Study and
the Town of Barnstable ADA Self Evaluation and Transition Plan Town’s Facilities Plan.
GOAL #3
Continue existing operations at the Cape Cod Gateway Airport and better integrate the
Airport within the regional transportation network.
Actions
A. Actively explore integration of multi-modal transportation services with airport services through the
development of a fixed-route microtransit program to deliver people to and from the Airport and
Downtown Hyannis .
B. Implement goals established with the Airport Master Plan .
240 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan
GOAL #4
Provide educational facilities to meet the present and future needs of Barnstable residents.
Actions
A. Identify and secure or retain land for future school facility expansion and/or redevelopment.
B. Continue to implement goals defined within the Barnstable Public Schools Facilities Condition
Assessment .
C. Complete feasibility study to examine the possibility of creating workforce housing on public
properties.
D. Ensure that future buildout projections and residential development proposals are communicated to
the affected public school district in a timely manner so they can plan effectively for future needs.
GOAL #5
The Town will pursue the goals defined within the Recreation Division’s Priority Plan.
Actions
A. text
GOAL #6
Expand recreational opportunities across Town for residents of all ages and abilities. In
particular, coordinate recreational opportunities and activities accessible to people who are
visually impaired and incorporate ADA accessibility.
Actions
A. Explore opportunities for trails, playgrounds (equip with shade structures, water features, and
interactive board games), pickleball and basketball courts, and outdoor fitness stations.
B. Explore opportunities for recreational activities including community gardens and farmers markets.
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 241
CHAPTER 6
Economic
Development
Vision Statement
» Promote a diverse economy that supports living
wages and local businesses and restores, enhances
and protects the natural environment .
Commit to providing affordable and attainable year-round housing options.
242 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan
Image caption here. Praesent commodo cursus magna.
243
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 244 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 244
6 Economic Development
Why Economic
Development Matters
The Town of Barnstable serves as the Cape Cod
region's central hub for commerce,
transportation, and education, earning its
reputation as the “hub of the Cape”. Boasting
essential infrastructure such as the regional
airport, the Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority’s
Regional Transportation Center, and two ferry
terminals, Barnstable acts as the gateway to
all of Cape Cod and the neighboring islands of
Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard. Beyond its
pivotal transportation role, Barnstable hosts
numerous regional resources, including the
county government seat, Cape Cod Community
College, the largest enclosed mall and industrial
park in the region, Cape Cod Hospital, and
bustling commercial harbors . Barnstable sustains
a strong and diverse economy year-round relative
to the other communities in Barnstable County,
with over half of its workforce residing within
its borders and a notably low unemployment rate
of 4 .0 percent in 2023, outperforming the state
average. Additionally, Barnstable exhibits a
significant percentage of self-employed residents
(15.1%), reflecting a thriving entrepreneurial spirit
within the community . Despite these strengths,
challenges persist, particularly in aligning local
job opportunities with resident employment
preferences, with transportation and construction
industries showing notable mismatches . Through
strategic economic development initiatives,
Barnstable aims to leverage its unique position
and resources to foster continued growth and
prosperity for its residents and businesses alike .
Please see the Local Economy section (under
Section 3: Community Systems) of the Existing
Conditions Report for information on existing
local economy, trends, and the Town’s current
economic development tools and policies.
Economic Development Actions
Since 2010
Since the last update of the Local Comprehensive
Plan in 2010, the Town has actively worked to
address the goals and actions included in the
plan . Below is a high-level overview of some
notable implementation achievements related to
economic development .
Projects & Initiatives
The 2010 LCP called for many strategies and
actions for the Town to pursue related to
Economic Development . Below is a summary of
some of these key achievements .
Growth Incentive Zone and Downtown
Hyannis Zoning
The Growth Incentive Zone (GIZ) was established
in 2006 and redesignated in 2018 . The purpose of
a GIZ is to direct growth and redevelopment to an
area of Barnstable with existing development, and
to encourage a concentrated mix of residential
and commercial uses within Hyannis while
ensuring that all growth is properly served by
adequate public infrastructure . To achieve this
goal, the Town has and continues to implement
planning initiatives, make planned infrastructure
investments, and enact regulatory changes to
Commented [KM1]: First sentence. Mentions "hub" twice.
Maybe reword?
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 245 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 245
Image caption here.
support continued public and private investment
in the Downtown Hyannis GIZ . The economic
development incentive provided by the GIZ is
exemption of Cape Cod Commission review for
developments in designated categories .
Downtown Hyannis zoning revisions were
approved in 2023, focusing on promoting
residential and mixed-use development that
responds to local context through size, form,
placement, and design considerations. The new
zoning allows for up to four-story multi-family
developments by-right, which streamlines the
permitting process and allows for predictable
outcomes. The reduction of minimum parking
requirements, coupled with the increased
density subject to building form and placement,
was implemented to promote walkability,
affordability, and sustainability in the downtown
area . The result of these revisions has been new
interest from developers to invest and redevelop
underutilized properties for residential and
mixed-use projects.
Local Business Support
A permit coordinator position was established
in 2019 to facilitate the permitting process for
small businesses and provide a single point
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 246 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 246
of contact for businesses with questions or
concerns about the regulatory process . A
Business Barnstable website was created in 2022
and provides resources to local business owners
and potential new business owners.
In 2022, Barnstable was selected by
MassDevelopment to become a full-time
Transformative Development Initiative (TDI)
District, a program for Gateway Cities designed
to accelerate economic growth within focused
districts . The program works with cross-sector
partnerships to engage community members in
actionable planning, implement local economic
development initiatives, and spur further
public and private investment . Barnstable’s TDI
District is in Downtown Hyannis and through
this program Barnstable receives technical
assistance for economic development expertise,
as well as access to grants to support local
development and investment in the Downtown .
Utilizing funding from this program the Town
partnered with the Hyannis Main Street Business
Improvement District in 2023 and 2024 to imple-
ment a Downtown Hyannis Façade Improvement
Grant Program for small businesses .
Image caption here.
Recreation
The Community Services Department actively
supports and maintains various community facil-
ities and amenities, such as the Hyannis Youth
Community Center (HYCC), golf courses, and
beaches. Ongoing efforts include improvements
and updates to these facilities and programs to
ensure accessibility, a welcoming atmosphere,
and proper maintenance. Collaborating closely
with the Department of Public Works (DPW), the
Town has implemented various field upgrades
throughout the villages and introduced new
recreational amenities, including the pickleball
complex in Marstons Mills. Currently, efforts
are underway to redesign the Centerville and
Osterville Playgrounds in collaboration with
DPW. Additionally, there are plans to seek CIP
funds to redesign the HYCC grounds, aiming to
expand recreational opportunities, including
an updated skate park, outdoor fitness court,
and a splash pad . At the Town golf courses, an
environmentally sustainable land management
plan has been implemented to reduce the use of
fertilizers and pesticides. Recent improvements
have also been made to the Barnstable Adult
Community Center .
Cultural Economy
The Town of Barnstable recognizes and supports
the role of arts and culture in making its seven
villages vibrant and economically prosperous
communities. The Town’s arts & culture program
has grown to include two state designated
cultural districts, a year-round arts campus
with community art space, 12 artist shanties,
multiple partnerships with cultural nonprofits
and creative economy businesses, and marketing
efforts to promote the cultural gems in the
seven villages . Barnstable supports the cultural
economy by prioritizing ongoing efforts in small
business and entrepreneurship, particularly
through the TDI partnership. Additionally, the
Town is working with the Cape Cod Chamber
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 247 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 247
to advance initiatives to support the “blue
economy.” Notably, the Town has two cultural
districts: the Hyannis HyArts Cultural District
and the Barnstable Village Cultural District.
The Arts & Culture program supports two
artists in residence and the Town Hall artist
spotlight program, maintains the ongoing arts
shanty program, and organizes programming
for public spaces. The Town also continues to
support museums through Cultural District
partnerships . The Town also supports special
events, which are an economic driver as well
as a community-building effort for residents.
The Town produces an annual Fourth of July
event, featuring the Cape Cod Symphony at
Aselton Park, arranges and manages a Labor Day
fireworks event, and supports events with other
community partners including Unity Day and
Hyannis Open Streets .
Issues & Opportunities
Barnstable, as the regional economic center and
largest town on Cape Cod, grapples with familiar
economic development challenges shared by
other communities in the region, including
seasonal fluctuations, the costs of improving,
maintaining, and expanding public infrastruc-
ture, traffic congestion, housing affordability,
and limited job opportunities. However, amidst
these challenges, the Town possesses a wealth
of assets, such as hosting the region’s hospital,
county government, educational institutions,
major transportation hubs, and natural and
cultural attractions, providing a strong founda-
tion for economic growth. However, achieving
economic resiliency and sustainability requires a
delicate balance between fostering growth and
addressing pressing issues like housing afford-
ability, natural resource protection, and infra-
structure constraints . Moreover, Barnstable's
concentrated development, coupled with its
status as a regional economic hub, presents
Image caption here.
opportunities to innovate, collaborate, and lead
in fostering a resilient and sustainable economy .
By leveraging its strengths and addressing its
challenges, Barnstable can continue to thrive as
a vital year-round economic and cultural center
within the Cape Cod region .
The issues, opportunities, goals, and strategies
outlined below are informed by feedback
gathered by the Town through multiple public
meetings, surveys, interviews, and focus groups.
Regional Economic Center and
Industrial Areas
Both the Regional Economic Center and indus-
trial areas serve important roles in the local and
regional economies containing many commercial
and industrial businesses that provide year-
round employment opportunities.
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 248 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 248
The Town recently collaborated with the Cape
Cod Commission to raise Development of
Regional Impact (DRI) thresholds in both areas,
aiming to foster economic development in
established year-round commercial centers .
By encouraging planned private investment in
mapped Regional Economic Centers and
Industrial Service and Trade Areas, the Town
anticipates increased development potential
that is both cost-effective and predictable for
businesses. While sufficient regulatory and
infrastructure measures are in place to manage
potential impacts on local and regional systems,
there are opportunities to further amend
regulations to address traffic, economic devel-
opment, and community character concerns .
Particularly in the Regional Economic center,
which is characterized by a mix of commercial
and light-industrial uses, there's potential for
interspersed residential development, offering
a larger customer base for local businesses and
more connected and livable neighborhoods .
Maintaining commercial and industrial uses
remain pivotal in the Industrial & Service Trade
Area for local and regional economic stability .
Growth Incentive Zone (GIZ)
The Growth Incentive Zone (GIZ) presents both
challenges and opportunities for local devel-
opment . While the GIZ aims to direct growth
towards areas with established infrastructure
and away from sensitive resource zones, issues
such as balancing residential and commercial
uses, ensuring adequate infrastructure support,
and maintaining strong design standards arise .
The designation also offers opportunities for
enhancing overall design and functionality
through infill and redevelopment. By simplifying
the permit process and empowering local
decision-making the GIZ encourages economic
growth and makes development opportunities
more attractive. Ongoing assessment and
Barnstable’s long-standing
relationship with the sea and
natural resource-based industries
means balancing economic
growth with protection of these
resources is crucial. The seasonal
and tourism-driven economy is
subject to the same vulnerabilities
from climate change and extreme
events as Barnstable’s land,
ecosystems, and infrastructure.
Commercial, agricultural,
industrial, and multi-use
properties that contribute to
Barnstable’s economy lie within
coastal areas vulnerable to sea
level rise, SLOSH (Sea, Lake, and
Overland Surges from Hurricanes),
and flooding.
refinement of GIZ standards are essential to
address these issues effectively and capitalize on
opportunities for sustainable development that
meet the evolving needs of the community .
Blue Economy
The “Blue Economy” is defined as the
sustainable use of water resources for economic
growth, improved quality of life, and the
creation/retention of jobs while preserving
the health of ecosystems . The blue economy is
experiencing steady growth across Cape Cod,
representing significant economic opportunities
for Cape communities. Across the Cape, tourism
and recreation and research, education,
advocacy, and support services comprise a
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 249 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 249
Economic Development Fact Sheet
The Town’s top three employers are:
Cape Cod Healthcare
Cape Cod
Community College
The Town of Barnstable1
The Town of Barnstable ranks 4th in
the state as a top commercial fishing
port measured by catch value .2
4th
The Hyannis Transformative Development Initiative (TDI) District
established by MassDevelopment in 2022 has resulted in
over half a million dollars
in new investment in Downtown Hyannis .3
The median income in the Town is much lower
than the income needed to buy a home .4
Barnstable median household income
$94,387
income needed to affordably purchase a median price single family home in the town
$199,000
1 Source
2 2018 report by the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries.
3 Source
4 Census.
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 250 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 250
significant portion of the sector. However,
there are opportunities for growth in sectors
like marine technology and renewable living
resources, particularly in fostering year-round
jobs, businesses, and organizations.
Initiatives such as the Hyannis Harbor Master
Plan are aimed at capitalizing on this growth
potential in Barnstable. Additionally, transi-
tioning to renewable energy and addressing
water and climate challenges not only present
economic opportunities but also contribute
to the sustainability of ocean resources and
ecosystem health. To maximize the benefits of
the blue economy, Barnstable should continue
to support existing blue economy businesses
while attracting new ventures that align with
key sectors such as maritime transportation,
fisheries and aquaculture, tourism and
recreation, and renewable energy. This support
should extend to initiatives aimed at promoting
educational programs that foster knowledge and
appreciation for the blue economy and maritime
traditions. Wastewater management projects,
coastal resilience initiatives, and climate change
adaptation planning represent ways in which the
Town has already invested in the Blue Economy .
Furthermore, sustaining the growth and
productivity of coastal communities necessitates
preserving public access to working waterfronts
and harbors. This involves encouraging activities
like fish markets and waterfront restaurants,
which enhance economic vibrancy . By preserving
maritime areas from overdevelopment and
actively supporting existing water-based and
maritime uses, Barnstable can create econom-
ically vibrant and resilient waterfronts that
contribute to the overall prosperity of the region .
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 251 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 251
Image caption here.
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 252 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 252
Housing Supply/Lack of Affordability
The availability of affordable housing in
Barnstable is intricately linked to the health
of the local economy and is closely tied to other
economic issues outlined in this section.
Barnstable’s limited housing supply (particularly
the lack of rental options) and lack of afford-
ability has contributed to labor supply issues in
both the year-round and seasonal economies .
Across the country, the shortage of affordable
housing costs the American economy about
$2trillion a year in lower wages and productivity.
Without affordable housing, families have
constrained opportunities to increase earnings,
causing slower economic growth .
With a limited supply of rentals and an
overwhelming dominance of single-family
homes, the cost of housing remains high and
continues to rise. This scarcity of affordable
housing presents a significant challenge for
employers, who struggle to attract and retain
workers . The average household income in
Barnstable as of 2022 is $94,387, which is
less than half the amount of income needed
($199,000) to purchase the median single-family
home in town without being housing cost-
burdened . The seasonal nature of Cape Cod's
economy compounds these issues, as there is
insufficient housing to accommodate seasonal
workers . The town can alleviate housing and
labor supply issues while also fostering a more
resilient and inclusive community. Additionally,
attracting more year-round residents is crucial
to support essential services like grocery stores,
further emphasizing the need for affordable
housing solutions.
Transportation and Infrastructure
Accessible and affordable transportation systems
are vital for economic vitality and community
resilience. While Barnstable offers residents
access to various transit options like
buses, ferries, rail, and planes, auto-
centric travel remains predom-
inant, and many areas of Town are
not accessible via public transportation (namely
West Barnstable, Barnstable, and Cotuit). Efforts
to promote multi-modal transportation are
underway, particularly in Downtown Hyannis.
Similarly, adequate and existing infrastructure
plays a critical role in economic growth and
development decisions. Efforts are underway
to review existing conditions and regulations,
particularly in the Growth Incentive Zone (GIZ),
to identify infrastructure needs and develop
plans for improvement . Furthermore, the Town
aims to concentrate development where infra-
structure can be efficiently provided, ensuring
access to transportation and services for all
residents . Adequate broadband infrastructure
is increasingly seen as essential for attracting
remote workers and supporting economic
activity, and as such the Town utilized CDBG
funds in 2023 to expand broadband access for
businesses and residents in downtown Hyannis .
The Town is actively improving infrastructure
to foster business growth and ensure residents’
access to goods and services. Collaboration
opportunities are emerging, such as with the
Cape Cod Gateway Airport, which seeks to
expand services and build stronger relationships
with the community . Challenges include limited
bus routes, infrastructure maintenance issues in
Hyannis, and the need for improved pedestrian
and cyclist connectivity across the Town.
Addressing these issues while leveraging existing
transportation assets could enhance overall
connectivity and community well-being.
Commercial Nodes
Barnstable's commercial areas and shopping
centers exhibit a range of performance levels,
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 253 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 253
with a number of larger retail spaces and
key main street storefronts currently vacant .
Opportunities for revitalization exist, as has been
recently demonstrated through the redevelop-
ment of Capetown Plaza and reinvestment in
the Cape Cod Mall area. Introducing multi-family
uses in these areas could address the need for
housing diversity but also create a larger local
customer base for businesses . While Hyannis
serves as the primary commercial hub, other
villages rely on their historic New England charm
and cater to the seasonal community . The
Town has the opportunity to explore innovative
solutions, such as commercial land trusts and
retail condos to activate vacant properties and
revitalize commercial areas, thereby fostering
economic vibrancy and community engagement .
Cape Cod Community College
The presence of Cape Cod Community College
in Barnstable presents a valuable yet potentially
underutilized asset for workforce and economic
development. Recognizing specific opportu-
nities, such as the dental hygiene and nursing
programs, as well as the introduction of a new
blue economy associate degree, showcases the
college's commitment to addressing industry
needs . However, high housing costs pose a
challenge, hindering students from remaining
on the Cape after graduation. To leverage the
college's full potential, Barnstable should persist
in exploring opportunities for partnership and
workforce development initiatives, fostering
collaboration that benefits both the community
and the college .
Diverse Year-Round Economy
The seasonal economy of Cape Cod poses signif-
icant challenges for local communities, char-
acterized by dependence on tourism and retail
trade, resulting in lower wages and high unem-
ployment rates during the off-season. Economic
downturns exacerbate these challenges, as less
money is spent in the tourism sector during
times of recession. Despite this, Barnstable,
as the regional economic center, maintains a
more year-round economy compared to other
Cape towns, actively working to attract visitors
during shoulder and off-seasons. Initiatives
such as tourism mini grants to promote events
across the seven villages aim to draw visitors
and mitigate the seasonality of the economy.
Additionally, efforts by the Cape Cod Chamber
of Commerce to establish a tourism destination
marketing district hold promise for designated
tourism promotion funds, offering opportunities
to bolster the local economy beyond the
traditional peak tourist periods. Addressing the
persistent dependence on tourism and the need
for year-round visitors and residency remain
crucial for long-term economic sustainability .
In addressing the challenges of the seasonal
economy, Barnstable faces specific hurdles
such as the difficulty in retaining tradesmen
due to housing affordability issues and a lack of
apprenticeship opportunities. While educational
institutions exist, the missing link lies in providing
affordable housing for workers in training.
Addressing this gap may involve engaging
with organizations or groups to find solutions.
Moreover, the Town faces challenges in retaining
When communities are more
prosperous, people have more
time and resources to dedicate to
their health and wellness. A strong
economy leads to increased income
and time to spend on health,
wellness, and education, leading to
an improved quality of life.
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 254 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 254
economic value, including healthcare services .
Many residents travel off Cape for medical needs
despite the existing healthcare industry providing
high-wage jobs . Investments in healthcare
infrastructure, such as Cape Cod Hospital, could
help retain economic value within the community .
Another opportunity to bolster the year-round
economy might be the potential establishment
of a sports facility in the Town that would draw
visitors and provide employment opportunities.
Overall, while the seasonal economy remains a
core aspect of Cape Cod's identity, diversifying
economic activities is crucial for fostering
resilience and prosperity year-round .
Downtown Hyannis
Downtown Hyannis stands as the primary
economic hub of Barnstable, acknowledged by
residents as both a strength and a focal area
for improvement . Challenges such as worn-out
facades, inadequate sidewalk and streetscape
maintenance, and a lack of connectivity to
other parts of town hinder its potential as a
vibrant urban center. However, ongoing efforts,
including the Hyannis Main Street Business
Improvement District and the Downtown
Hyannis Façade Grant Program, have already
made strides in revitalizing the area . The
implementation of new zoning regulations along
Main Street is anticipated to be transformative,
fostering diversity and attracting real services to
create a more vibrant and walkable community .
Efforts to promote placemaking in Downtown
Hyannis is essential for strengthening connec-
tions between people and places, reducing auto-
mobile dependency, and fostering a safe, livable,
and compact urban environment . Enhancements
such as pedestrian-friendly streetscapes, the
promotion of cultural events, and the provision
of everyday amenities like grocery stores
and arts centers are vital for attracting young
residents and creating a vibrant neighborhood.
Image caption here.
Continued investments in infrastructure and
transportation, including improved sidewalks
and safer intersections, are necessary to create a
more walkable and active community. Moreover,
initiatives like Barnstable’s TDI District, which has
already invested significant funds in Downtown
Hyannis, underscore the town's commitment
to revitalizing this vital economic and cultural
center. Continued support for existing programs
and the exploration of innovative solutions will
be instrumental in addressing the challenges
and seizing the opportunities presented by
Downtown Hyannis .
Commented [KM2]: Was thinking it is warranted to
expound a little bit more on the Hyannis Main Street BID
since it is a very useful and unique economic development
tool.
Goals & Actions
GOAL #1
Support a market-driven, place-based approach that builds on our existing assets, a tradition
of locally-owned businesses, and encourages economic balance, diversity, and sustainability.
Actions
A. Evaluate Tax Increment Financing (TIF) guidelines and policies to ensure that the town’s program
incentivizes investment in industries that are desired by the community and provide well-paying jobs
with benefits.
GOAL #2
Revise and simplify land use regulations including zoning to foster economic development.
Actions
A. Support reauthorization of the Downtown Hyannis Growth Incentive Zone (GIZ) and consider
readjusting the boundary of the GIZ, as applicable.
B. Conduct the Independence Village Master Plan as shown as on the Future Land Use Map to analyze
existing zoning and land uses to develop recommendations to modernize zoning.
GOAL #3
Retain and strengthen local business in the Town of Barnstable.
Actions
A. Explore ways to continue and expand the Downtown Hyannis Façade grant program which incentives
locally owned businesses to reinvest profits into the community.
B. Continue to develop resources for economic development and small businesses by publishing timely
and relevant information on funding/grant opportunities, technical assistance possibilities, and
relevant community data through on-going administration of the Business Barnstable website.
C. Seek to develop additional public facing data tools that include relevant economic indicators and
information.
254 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 255
GOAL #4
Coordinate infrastructure with new growth.
Actions
A. Continue to participate in and implement solutions from the Hyannis Access Study and continue to
coordinate the Downtown Hyannis Great Streets project to improve traffic flow.
B. Develop, apply for, and support creative funding mechanisms to build and maintain infrastructure
needs .
C. Encourage the development of grid resilience by investing in redundant power sources at municipal
buildings .
D. Seek out and support upgrades to telecommunication infrastructure for public and commercial
broadband access within Barnstable including at the Town’s including parks and beaches .
GOAL #5
Emphasize educational efforts that serve as economic drivers to expand collective intellectual
capital and support an emerging workforce.
Actions
A. Support development of educational curricula that connects to existing or desirable employment
opportunities and career advancement such as renewable energy, medical services and sciences
and technologies focusing on coastal, marine, and environmental sectors through collaboration with
educational partners (BHS, CCCC, Cape Tech) to develop apprenticeship programs that respond to
local workforce needs .
GOAL #6
Support the maintenance and development of recreational activities for residents and
visitors. Fund and implement findings and actions from the state approved Open Space and
Recreation Plan.
Actions
A. Increase availability of public access to the water by seeking out opportunities to purchase land that
could provide new public ways to the water . Enhance public beaches and support water-dependent
activities with amenities.
B. Maintain, improve, and promote high quality public recreational facilities including beaches,
trails, fields, and parks including completion of the Rail Trail connection project from Yarmouth to
Sandwich and completion of the Osterville and Centerville Playground projects. Increase mainte-
nance and add amenities that respond to emerging recreational trends.
C. Support and maintain town-owned golf courses to attract visitors and to continue to serve as an
attractive amenity for year-round residents.
D. Continue to support the Hyannis Youth and Community Center (HYCC), including the ability to host
events that bring visitors into town and provide a year-round recreational gathering place for all ages
through completion of the HYCC Master Plan to examine the facility and recommend changes to
better reflect future recreational needs.
E. Promote the Hyannis Harbor Hawks and Cotuit Kettleers, and support the presence of the Cape Cod
Baseball League in Barnstable including exploring opportunities to site the Cape Cod Baseball League
Hall of Fame in Barnstable .
F. Attract and support the development of an indoor recreational facility through completion of a
feasibility study for indoor recreation facility to obtain project costs and identify possible locations.
256 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan
GOAL #7
Support and promote arts and culture in the Town of Barnstable to make its seven
villages vibrant and economically prosperous communities for the well-being of its
residents. Encourage continued development of the creative economy to increase
cultural tourism, capture sector dollars and to position the Town as a year-round cultural
destination.
Actions
A. Collaborate with cultural partners to expand programming, marketing and outreach to generate
year-round interest and increase visitation throughout the town’s seven villages including coordi-
nating expansion of the Town’s Tourism Mini-Grants.
B. Attract, encourage and promote new and existing cultural entities to develop and expand program-
ming to generate year-round interest and increase visitation throughout the town’s seven villages.
C. Collaborate with other town departments to incorporate the arts to creatively coordinate town
services, design shared spaces, engage citizens in town government and improve residents’ quality
of life .
GOAL #8
Strengthen and enhance our visitor-based economy to make Barnstable a year-round destination.
Actions
A. Enhance and expand the Walkway to the Sea to encompass more of the harbor front, the Cape Cod
Maritime Museum, JFK Memorial, Veteran’s Beach, the end of Ocean Street and Kalmus Park.
B. Identify locations for creative shared parking solutions for the Cape Cod Gateway Airport, Cape Cod
Regional Transportation Center, the Cape Cod Hospital and Hyannis Harbor.
C. Support the continued development of eco-tourism, tourism that explores, experiences, and
observes nature by marketing and improving the Town’s trail system and ways to water.
D. Allocate a portion of the current room occupancy tax revenue to visitor marketing and promotion to
increase the Town’s Tourism Fund .
E. Work with appropriate public and private transportation entities to ensure provision of year-round,
reliable transportation and trolley service in support of visitors and the workforce.
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 257
GOAL #9
Support the healthcare sector by fostering economic growth, improving access to healthcare,
and enhancing the overall well-being of the community.
Actions
A. Explore and promote incentives such as the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) to encourage healthcare
providers to locate within Barnstable .
B. Support the expansion and modernization of healthcare infrastructure and work with Cape Cod
Hospital to address their workforce housing challenges .
GOAL #10
Cultivate innovative Blue Economy initiatives that stimulate economic growth, promote
environmental sustainability, and enhance the quality of life for our residents.
Actions
A. Identify skill gaps in marine industries for workforce development and conversion from jobs to
careers by working with educational community and workforce development organizations including
the Brazilian Resource Center – Health Ministry to help them to develop curriculum in order to
expand workforce opportunities.
B. Support the development, growth, and retention of innovative technologies that can be shared and
exported by utilizing Tax Increment Financing (TIF) to attract new industries in bio-tech and clean
water to locate in Barnstable .
C. Continue to seek ways to support the commercial fishing industry, including investment in relevant
waterfront facilities by conducting a feasibility study to examine locating a new commercial fishing
offload facility in Hyannis.
258 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan
CHAPTER 1 0
Culture, Heritage,
& Design
Vision Statement
» Preserve, enhance and celebrate the unique historic
character and sense of place of the town and each of
its seven villages .
» Provide access to high-quality public education,
healthcare, human and social services, and a healthy
environment .
» Foster an inclusive community that values diversity .
» Increase transparency of the local government so
that it can make effective decisions ground in citizen
input and implement necessary changes efficiently.
» Strengthen community connections and
communication town-wide and seek opportunities
for collaboration with neighboring towns.
» Recognize and build upon previous efforts by
citizens and the Town to make Barnstable the best
that it can be .
260 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan
Image caption here. Praesent commodo cursus magna.
261
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 262 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 262
10 Culture, Heritage, & Design
Why Culture, Heritage &
Design Matter
Barnstable’s historic villages, scenic landscapes
and rich quality of life continue to attract
summer visitors, year-round residents, and the
businesses that serve them . The culture of the
town revolves around its seven villages, each of
which expresses a unique sense of place. For the
most part, the beauty and visual character of the
villages and the surrounding landscape emerged
through centuries of people making a life based
on the resources of land and sea . This produced
a visual character that is quintessential Cape
Cod, attracting summer visitors and more and
more permanent residents .
Agriculture, fishing, and other resource-based
industries have declined, and in recent decades
both the landscape and economy of Barnstable
were impacted by more suburban models of
growth and development . Yet both land and
sea continue to attract residents and visitors,
and a growing community of artists and artisans
continues to draw on the land and sea for
inspiration. By preserving the historic structures,
landscapes, and village centers that represent
the rich heritage of past generations, the town
can preserve what remains of previous cultures .
We can design new places to live, work, shop
and play that reflect this legacy, while allowing
for residents and business owners to respond to
this setting in new and creative ways. This is the
foundation for creating a continually renewed
sense of place that values both history and
contemporary arts and culture .
Arts and culture create community
connections and strengthen
mental health. Social connection is
a basic human need.
Barnstable’s historic villages embody the cultural
heritage of past generations. Village density,
building form, and architectural character
embody this heritage . What will the cultural
heritage of the future look like? Design of
revitalized commercial districts and residential
neighborhoods needs to incorporate the lessons
of historic architecture and development
patterns to avoid evolving into “Anywhere, USA.”.
But a strong sense of place is not created just by
well-designed buildings and neighborhoods – it
emerges from ongoing life and culture, the resi-
dents and businesses and activities taking place
within them. By supporting people and activities
that are rooted in the land, water, ecology, and
authentic culture of the Cape, Barnstable can
ensure that the cultural heritage of tomorrow is
as vibrant as that left by previous generations.
Please see the Cultural Heritage section (found
in Section 3: Community Systems) of the Existing
Conditions Report for more detailed information
on culture, heritage and design.
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 263 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 263
Image caption here.
Culture, Heritage & Design
Actions Since 2010
In the years since completion of the 2010
Comprehensive Plan, Barnstable has worked
to identify and preserve historic structures and
other heritage resources. The Town is starting
to address preservation of the historic character
of larger areas through improved regulation of
design. Economic development efforts include
a focus on supporting local culture and the arts
as the foundation for sustainable growth. Some
notable achievements are listed below .
Projects & Initiatives
The 2010 LCP called for many strategies and
actions for the Town to pursue related to
Culture, Heritage & Design . Below is a summary
of some of these key achievements .
Historic Inventory (2020)
The Barnstable Prioritized Survey Project
surveyed historic resources for the Barnstable
Historical Commission with an objective of
providing insight for assessing the significance
of buildings subject to demolition. As part of
the 2010 Historic Preservation Plan prepa-
ration, professional consultants conducted a
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 264 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 264
windshield survey of the nearly 1,500 previously
un-surveyed properties to provide a preliminary
analysis on the significance of resources and the
threat of new development occurring in partic-
ular areas throughout Barnstable. The effort
sought to document resources in villages that
had not been professionally surveyed in several
years. The result of the analysis was a prioritized
list of 600 properties throughout the Town.
Form B Building inventory forms were prepared
for 80 primary buildings and several secondary
buildings and structures. Valuable historic
contexts were developed through the Form B
narratives focusing on areas that had seen an
increase in redevelopment and where resources
were largely unrecorded, including Blish Point
in Barnstable Village, Camp Opechee Road in
Centerville, and Osterville/West Barnstable Road
in Osterville .
Image caption here.
Demolition Delay
The procedures established for the Barnstable
Historical Commission defined by §112-3 were
amended in 2013. In summary, the objective
of the amendment included adding an admin-
istrative procedure to streamline the process,
bringing the regulatory timeframes into align-
ment with other land-use permitting; adding
an expiration date, and extending the period of
Demolition Delay from six to eighteen months.
The Historic Commission’s intent for lengthening
the time of demolition-delay was to engage
owners of historic resources in the process of
preserving those buildings and structures .
Downtown Hyannis Unified Design Regulations
and Guidelines
The Downtown Hyannis Unified Design
Regulations and Guidelines were developed and
enacted in
2023 for exterior improvements to Downtown
Hyannis including the jurisdictional boundary of
Downtown Hyannis Growth Incentive Zone that
were adopted by the Barnstable Planning Board
and the Hyannis Main Street Waterfront Historic
District Commission in 2023 and 2024 in
collaboration with the Planning Board has also
considered adoption. The unified Unified
Guidelines document provides clear guidance
guidelines for applicants and property owners with
mandatory regulations and recommended
guidelines for site plan and building design,
including site amenities and placemaking
guidelines as well as landscape and signage design.
The Unified Design Regulations and Guidelines
define review applicability and process with an
objective to foster and champion the historic and
maritime character of downtown Hyannis with
quality, character, and charm .
Funding for Historic Preservation
From 2006–2024 $13,865,873 in Community
Preservation Act (CPA) funds were awarded to
Commented [KM1]: This first sentence of the paragraph
has several extra words that are duplicative and render the
sentence difficult to understand. Perhaps it should be re-
worded to say
“The Downtown Hyannis Unified Design Regulations and
Guidelines were developed and enacted by the Barnstable
Planning Board and the Hyannis Main Street Waterfront
Historic District Commission in 2023 and 2024. The
Unified Guidelines provide clear guidelines for applicants
and property owners with mandatory regulations and
recommended guidelines for site plan building design,
including amenities and placemaking guidelines as well as
landscape and signage design.
Formatted: Right: 0", Line spacing: single
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 265 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 265
73 historic preservation projects. Grants from Mass
Historic Commissions Preservation Projects Fund were
received in support of work at the
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 266 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 266
Unitarian Church, Olde Colonial Courthouse,
US Custom House and Carriage House, and
Barnstable Customs House .
Cultural Districts
The Town of Barnstable has two state designated
cultural districts, Hyannis HyArts and Barnstable
Village. In 2012, Hyannis was the first on Cape
Cod to be named a state designated cultural
district and the 6th in the state—there are
now 52. Barnstable Village followed with state
designation in 2014. Well before the official
state designation, the town was underway
transforming downtown Hyannis into a distinct
arts destination and integrating arts into the
fabric of the community .
Expansion of HyArts Shanty Program
The Town’s waterfront incubator program for
Cape Cod artists continues with much success, a
tremendous initiative to support the arts commu-
nity and provide a vibrant backdrop for residents
and visitors. Starting in May 2005 with 7 shanties
and 15 artists, the program has grown to include
12 shanties in 2 locations along the ‘Walkway
to the Sea’ in Hyannis and supports at least 85
if not 100 Cape Cod artists each May through
November. Cape Cod artists rotate throughout
the season so every week there are new and
returning artists. Over 100,000 visitors pass
through each season and annually, and collective
sales for the artists is at least $425,000. Artists
can improve business, marketing and selling
skills and move onward and upward to their own
retail space or represented in other galleries or
wholesale or online shops .
Hyannis HyArts Campus and Cultural District
The HyArts Campus developed by the Town at
the corner of South and Pearl continues to be a
focus of Arts Barnstable’s work to support arts
and culture. It now includes artist live/work
space at 46 and 50 Pearl Street and the Guyer
Image caption here.
Barn . The HyArts Campus is one anchor within
the surrounding Cultural District, which includes
the Hyannis Public Library, the Mass Air & Space
Museum, the JFK Hyannis Museum, and the
Cape Cod Maritime Museum. These institutions
gather around open spaces that include the
Village Green, Aselton Park, Bismore Park and
McKeon Park . A network of pedestrian paths
and sidewalks link everything together, including
the Walkway to the Sea and the Kennedy Legacy
Trail . ArtsBarnstable sponsors photo, story and
gallery walks and other special events designed
to attract visitors and engage locals.
Issues & Opportunities
The unique character of each of Barnstable’s
seven villages emerged organically in a time
before zoning bylaws and design consultants .
Each village served a particular social and
economic function, from harbor villages focused
on fishing and shipping, to agricultural hamlets
and summer resort communities. Rooted in its
particular landscape setting, available resources,
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 267 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 267
and economic role, each village developed a
unique visual character and sense of place,
defined and enriched by the historic period and
culture that created it .
Today these conditions have changed. For many
decades, growth patterns and community char-
acter has been driven by residential subdivisions,
automobile-oriented business districts and other
functional demands of the suburban growth
model. The creation of “Cape Cod Character”
has become the province of designers and real
estate agents . It no longer emerges organically
from the Barnstable landscape . It must be
overlaid intentionally on a development that
continues to be driven by the suburban develop-
ment paradigm .
This process has been blunted by the diligent
efforts of the Historic Commission and town and
village historical societies, but suburban growth
patterns continue to erode Barnstable’s visual
character and sense of place, especially outside
of the historic districts . Recognizing that pres-
ervation of historic and cultural resources are
fundamental to continued economic health and
quality of life, there is an opportunity to change
land use policies and development regulations
to promote development and revitalization that
enhances and celebrates cultural resources
rather than further eroding them .
The issues, opportunities, goals, and strategies
outlined below are informed by feedback
gathered by the Town through multiple public
meetings, surveys, interviews, and focus groups.
Protect Historic Resources When Land
is Acquired for Open Space
There is a need to inventory all cultural and
heritage resources when land is to be preserved
for open space to make sure that proper care
is taken to preserve these resources . Some
examples include the Charles Marston House, c
.1821, which was demolished prior to land
acquisition for open space on Mill Pond in
Marstons Mills, as well as the Fuller Farm House,
c.1887, demolished prior to construction of new
educational barn on acquired open space on Rt.
149 in Marston’s Mills .
Broadening Representation and
Engagement in Historic Preservation.
To be relevant to more people, historic
preservation and the stories told through the
places Barnstable preserves must expand to
include more perspectives. The preservation
movement has excluded people, intentionally
and unintentionally, through policies and
practices. There is a need to interest younger
generations in historic preservation efforts, as
well as engage traditionally underrepresented
communities found on Cape Cod, including
women, Mashpee Wampanoag, African
American and Cape Verdean communities. We
The Town needs to find out what matters to
these commu- nities – listen to their personal
experiences
and provide a space to tell their stories . For
younger generations Preservation needs to
provide experiential opportunities that meet
the needs of a demographic that gets most
of its information and interaction over social
media . This could include working with the Cape
Cod Maritime Museum, Coast Guard Heritage
Museum, The Blacksmith Shop and other insti-
tutions to offer hands-on engagement and trade
opportunities for teens, whether it be working
through Scouts to offer Historic Preservation
patches, or organizations such as AmeriCorps
Cape Cod . Another opportunity is to include
underrepresented voices into the protection of
historic resources. For example, the inclusion
of indigenous peoples’ perspectives in the
conversation means respecting the many beliefs
and concepts pertaining to land management,
Commented [KM2]: Pages 266 through 268, section
entitled “Broadening Representation and Engagement”, etc.,
second column pg. 266: The first, third, fourth and
subsequent sentences of this first paragraph appear to be both
correct and appropriate. In my personal opinion, the second
sentence also is factually correct. In my personal opinion,
however, it also would be a mistake to include the second
sentence. The purpose of this entire section and
discussion is to encourage “inclusiveness” regarding cultural
and historical preservation. This sentence likely would
become a “lightening rod,” which would encourage
divisiveness and conflict rather than inclusion. Inclusion of
the sentence would cause a debate over past exclusion rather
than a debate over future inclusion.
Formatted: Font color: Red
Formatted: Font color: Red, Strikethrough
Formatted: Not Strikethrough
Formatted: Font color: Red
Commented [KM3]: Page 266, 6th paragraph, one
sentence starts with "We" - I believe the rest of the report is
in the 3rd person?
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 268 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 268
Culture, Heritage, & Design Fact Sheet
Over 20% of Barnstable County's
historic properties listed on the
National Register of Historic
Properties are located in Barnstable .x
Town of Barnstable
Barnstable has 2 state designated
Cultural Districts: HyArts Cultural
District (established 2012) and
Barnstable Village Cultural District
(established 2014).x
80,000
visitors thatpass through the HyArts
Artist Shanties each season.
$300,000
annual collective sales for the artists
at the shanties.
$3,547,665.00
total collective sales for the artists at
the shanties since 2005. x
Between 2006 and 2024,
the Town appropriated
$13,865,873
in Community
Preservation Act (CPA)
funds toward 73 historic
preservation projects .x
A total of 182 historic buildings and
structures (pre-1951) are located
within the floodplain zones A or V.x
X Aenean eu leo quam. Pellentesque ornare sem lacinia quam venenatis vestibulum.
X Donec sed odio dui. Cras mattis consectetur purus sit amet fermentum.
X Fusce dapibus, tellus ac cursus commodo, tortor mauris condimentum nibh, ut fermentum massa justo sit amet risus.
X Donec id elit non mi porta gravida at eget metus.
X Sed posuere consectetur est at lobortis.
cultural practices, and storytelling. This can
also mean encouraging and creating a space for
these communities to sit on local boards and
commissions. Broadening representation and
engagement comes with more diverse groups,
including those who have come to Barnstable
relatively recently, will help to protect historical
resources. the understanding that Preservation
Practice has historically excluded diverse groups
from being included into the protection of
historic resources.
Keep the Old Historic Preservation
Playbook but Expand on It
Preservation practice must adapt to changing
demographics in order to be more relevant
within today’s cultural conversation. According
to the National Park Service, less than 10%
of National Register nominations include the
stories of underrepresented communities. One
strategy could include broadening standard
concepts for the National Register Criteria
and how local commissions and consultants
manage cultural resources as to recognize
unique historic resources that perhaps don’t
fit into the traditional categories. This could
include making sure all of the survey, research,
evaluation, and decision-making are inclusive
and accessible . Materials should be available
in the languages spoken in the community, and
not over wrought with preservation specific
language. Another example of expanding the
playbook is working within the needs of the local
economy, such as encouraging adaptive reuse
of historic commercial buildings that will attract
and engage younger generations through art,
food, and entertainment . Another opportunity
is to promote preservation through “living
history” initiatives that involve young people and
newcomers in boat building/restoration, fishing,
farming, etc .
Upcoming Challenges for Historic
Preservation
The Town should actively identify pressing
historic preservation challenges and opportu-
nities; these include the Rodney Baxter House
(c.1850.289 South Street). Unique in Barnstable
and rare in the nation, the house was “inspired
by Orson S. Fowler’s contemporary publication
‘The Octagon House, A Home for All.’ An intact
example of this rare style and is enhanced by
retention of an unaltered octagonal carriage
house.” (from inventory Form-B). Another
challenge/opportunity is the need to look at
documenting and preserving buildings that are
becoming “historic” with the passage of time,
such as mid-century modern houses .
Designing Buildings for Future
Preservation
As development and redevelopment continue,
there is a need to address the design of building
“so that the buildings we build today will be
defended by preservationists 75 years from
now.” This can start by incorporating massing,
shapes, styles, architectural detail, colors and
materials from the historic built environment
when designing new construction. There is an
opportunity to build on the 2023 Downtown
Hyannis Unified Design Regulations with a
similar contextual design approach for other
villages and areas across Barnstable .
Place-Based Planning and Visioning
for Key Areas
Barnstable’s historic districts are reasonably
effective at preserving structures and limiting
change in the villages, but they are not very
helpful in shaping additional growth and change
over time to enhance the character of the
community. Hyannis has benefitted from a series
of planning and visioning efforts, leading to
changes in regulations and design standards that
268 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan
Commented [KM4]: The final sentence of that section, at
the top of page 268 could be revised to say “Broadening
representation and engagement with more diverse groups,
including those who have come to Barnstable relatively
recently, will help to protect historical resources.”
Commented [KM5]: Pages 268-270, Section entitled
“Place-Based Planning and Visioning,” etc.: First sentence:
I would delete the words, “but they are not very helpful in
shaping additional growth and change over time to enhance
the character of the community.”
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 269
Image caption here.
encourage growth – with controls to promote
good design. This approach can be extended to
the other villages – not with an aim to encourage
growth for its own sake, but with the goal of
identifying what’s needed in terms of housing,
commercial space, parks, community amenities,
etc ., and then determining changes in zoning
and design regulations that can allow good things
to happen while preventing unintended
consequences .
The process of adopting the Unified Design
Regulations for Hyannis highlighted the chal-
lenge of crafting design regulations that reflect
historic precedents when the precedents them-
selves are not very unified. There is no single
historic period or style along Main Street to
serve as a general model . There is thus a need to
further explore how historic traditions can best
be incorporated into new buildings . This could
include development of a more finely-grained
plan for the district, with the goal of creating a
more consistent vision for individual blocks and
street frontages, with an appropriate level of
variation between them.
Another opportunity for place-based visioning
would include Barnstable’s principal commercial
and industrial districts in the area of the Cape
Cod Mall and the adjacent Rt .132 and Rt . 28
corridors . These districts serve an important
economic role in the town and the region, but
under current zoning they may have trouble
adapting to changes in the retail economy. Many
towns are leveraging the demand for housing,
for example to promote redevelopment of older
commercial areas into walkable, mixed-use
centers with a mix of housing, retail, office and
Formatted: Right: -0.03", Space Before: 0.4 pt
Commented [KM6]: Page 269, the sentence beginning
“This approach can be extended to the other villages – “,… .
This sentence on page 269 suggests that it is the intent of the
LCPC and the town to make exactly the type of change to
the historic village centers that no one wants. And it
misrepresents the thinking of the LCPC. It should be
deleted.
community uses . While this is already provided
for to some extent in the Shopping Center
Redevelopment Overlay District, there is an
opportunity to enhance and expand the poten-
tial benefits of that district. This could include
expanding the district and adopting more
detailed design standards that reflect a clear
vision for how the area could be redeveloped
in a way that better reflects the historic and
cultural character of the community .
Historic Preservation in the Context of
Climate Change and Sea Level Rise
Historic coastal communities across the country
are dealing with the challenges of sea level rise,
extreme storms and other impacts of climate
change . In Barnstable, the town adopted
District of Critical Planning Concern Regulations
in 2009 that include elements designed to
mitigate damage from flooding and sea level rise
within the Craigville Beach District . There is an
opportunity to review the results of this effort
and explore potential updates. The Town can
research Cape Cod Commission has developed
Flood Area Design Guidelines that provide a
useful starting point
for adapting to flooding in historic areas. This
includes retrofitting structures in place, reloca-
tion/retreat, and building elevation. With care,
each of these strategies can be implemented in
such a way to reduce the impact of change on
historic buildings and neighborhood character .
Arts & Culture
With the HyArts Cultural District and other
investments, the Town has developed physical
and programmatic infrastructure with proven
success in supporting and expanding art and
culture in downtown Hyannis . But those build-
ings and programs have to be maintained . One
challenge is the seasonal nature of the economy,
with summer visitors by definition departing
with cold weather – and even though the cohort
Climate adaptation and
mitigation projects are critical
to preserving Barnstable’s historic
relationship with the land and
sea as well as protecting village
centers and cultural districts that
are hubs of community activity
and the arts.
of year-round residents has grown, many travel
in the off season. There is a need and opportu-
nity to build on past work in the Cultural Districts
to further establish the Town as a year-round
visitor destination, and to build a stronger brand
as a place where arts and culture thrive . This
will require collaboration between the Town,
museums, and other cultural district partners to
cultivate relationships, facilitate conversations,
and strengthen the presence of participant
organizations town-wide. Additionally, increased
marketing efforts can help to promote the
Town’s seven villages and two cultural districts as
a multi-faceted year-round cultural destination.
Further opportunities include encouraging
arts-focused development in downtown
Hyannis such as artist residences, and studio,
classroom, gallery and performance spaces,
and related retail . It also means working to
attract, encourage and promote new and
existing cultural entities to develop and expand
programming and special events to generate
year-round interest and increase visitation
throughout the town’s seven villages . There
is an opportunity to encourage more public/
private partnerships to utilize existing spaces for
arts and culture offerings. There is also interest
in exploring whether a year-round performing
arts/conference center could attract investors
270 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan
Commented [KM7]: Page 270, first column, section
entitled “Historic Preservation in the context of climate
change and sea level rise”:
There is a sentence in the middle of the paragraph which is
true and accurate, but I feel should be modified. The
sentence which reads, “The Cape Cod Commission has
developed Flood Area Design Guidelines …,” should be
modified to read “NOAA and other scientific organizations
have developed Flood Area Design Guidelines …”.
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 271
and potential users interested in a wide range of
year-round events .
Additional physical improvements to the fabric
of downtown Hyannis would support these
initiatives. This includes improving visibility
and the connectivity between parking lots and
the Cultural Districts; improving safety and
pedestrian accessibility in public places through
better lighting, parking, and signage; improving
restroom facilities; and generally adding
amenities and improving aesthetics. There is
also a need to create a clear brand and a signage
system for Hyannis Main Street that highlights
our diverse community .
Maps
Mapping is an important tool for
visualizing policies . The maps below
from the Existing Conditions Report
illustrate where historic and cultural resources
exist today.
Image caption here.
Goals & Actions
GOAL #1
Explore opportunities to protect key historical and cultural resources.
Actions
A. Pursue Certified Local Government (CLG) designation for the Barnstable Historical Commission.
B. Develop educational content for owners of National or State Register of Historic Places properties,
as well as contractors and realtors, to inform them of the benefits and responsibilities of these
designations and provide insight for restoration methods, resources, materials and design standards
for historic properties.
C. Leverage façade improvement and other district level programs to assist owners in maintaining and
adapting commercial historic structures through incentive programs.
D. Restore the Historic Marker Program for significant historic buildings to include landscapes and other
cultural elements. Encourage local historical societies to support this program in their villages.
GOAL #2
Assess expansion of National, State and Local Historic Districts.
Actions
A. Consider additional Local Historic District designations throughout the Town and educate residents
about the benefits of Local Historic District designations.
B. Assess additional properties for National Register Nomination and review the criteria for National
Register designation to create a short-list of potential properties.
GOAL #3
Ensure protection of Archaeological sites.
Actions
A. Continue town wide archaeological inventory and assessment process to identify important sites.
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 273
GOAL #4
Broaden representation and increase engagement in historic preservation.
Actions
A. Provide translated materials to underrepresented populations in Town and make it easier for all
residents to participate.
B. Involve younger generations in historic preservation through hands-on education and training, living
history initiatives in collaboration with local museums including the Cape Cod Maritime Museum,
Coast Guard Heritage Museum, and the Blacksmith .
GOAL #5
Explore opportunities to enhance preservation of Scenic Resources.
Actions
A. Ensure that Barnstable’s vistas and viewsheds, both landward and seaward are protected and
preserved to retain their community character defining and value enhancing functions by expanding
the 2009 Heritage Landscapes Project to include specific strategies to preserve the Town’s most
significant natural and cultural landscapes.
GOAL #6
Coordinate design standards.
Actions
A. Pursue design standards that are sensitive to the historic character of each village.
B. Continue to refine the Downtown Hyannis Unified Design Guidelines and Regulations through
partnership with the Planning Board and the Hyannis Main Street Waterfront Historic District .
GOAL #7
Continue to prioritize and coordinate physical and programmatic infrastructure for the Town’s
Arts and Culture Program.
Actions
A. Enhance and expand the cultural districts and work with partners to plan for long-term program
funding and facilities maintenance needs.
B. Pursue safety and connectivity improvements, including improving paths to parking lots, and
enhanced lighting, signage, restrooms, and general aesthetics.
274 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan
GOAL #8
Create and implement consistent signage standards, including public wayfinding and other
signage consistent with Barnstable’s image and visual branding.
Actions
A. Continue to implement the Downtown Hyannis Wayfinding Signage Plan.
GOAL #9
Pursue public roadside beautification, including landscape maintenance, mitigation of
invasive species, planting and pruning of public shade trees, and design of utilities.
Actions
A. Continue to encourage private entities to sponsor installation and maintenance of roadside land-
scaping and coordinate effort to wrap utility boxes.
B. Coordinate design standards for landscaping, paving, signage, lighting, tree planting, furnishings, and
other elements .
C. Utilize revenue from the Hyannis District Improvement Financing (DIF) program to enhance streets-
cape and public realm assets in the Downtown Hyannis area .
GOAL #10
Coordinate opportunities to promote place-based arts and culture.
Actions
A. Collaborate with cultural partners to support art that reflects local history, landscapes and culture.
B. Collaborate with local farms and farmers to create art, music and events that celebrate local food
and agricultural landscapes .
C. Collaborate with boating, fishing, environmental and other members of the Blue Economy commu-
nity to promote art, music and events that celebrate Barnstable’s connection to the water.
D. Work with appropriate town entities to coordinate guidelines and process to incorporate artist
elements into streetscapes, public spaces and municipally provided amenities and publications
through the development of a Public Arts Master Plan .
E. Develop a long-term plan for the Artists Shanties Program to continue to facilitate opportunities for
the public to interact with members of the creative economy via Town-run programs that engage the
public and artists.
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 275
Action
Plan
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan 277
Land Use Targeted Action Plan
GOAL 1 Analyze current standards for lot coverage and building massing in the Residential Areas. Consider
creating or decreasing maximum lot coverage limitations and/or establishing floor to area ratio
(FAR) limits in strategic areas to contain the spread of impervious surfaces and to improve coastal
flooding resilience.
ACTIONS TIMEFRAME
A Amend the Town’s zoning to incorporate requirements for the built and natural environment with best
practice strategies related to coastal flooding resiliency and potential need to retreat.
B Establish new lot coverage requirements or enhance existing requirements to define maximum impervious
coverage in residential zoning districts.
GOAL 2 To preserve open lands, agricultural lands, and cultural, historic, and scenic landscapes, explore
locations for an increased lot size requirement in areas with insufficient infrastructure.
ACTIONS TIMEFRAME
A Conduct an analysis of the parcels in the Resource Protection Overlay District (RPOD) currently zoned for two
acres by overlaying maps of natural, historic, and scenic resources to help identify if the RPOD should
be expanded.
GOAL 3 Continue to explore opportunities to protect or acquire areas of land to retain and expand
open space.
ACTIONS TIMEFRAME
A Evaluate privately owned wooded lots for potential acquisition Seek to increase land protected in
perpetuity with prioritization for land that is contiguous with existing open space, adjacent to a wetland
as well as opportunities to establish or expand greenways and wildlife corridors of sufficient width to
protect edge species and species that inhabit the interior forest .
GOAL 4 Amend the zoning ordinance to enhance requirements to retain existing tree canopy and establish
new requirements to increase tree canopy.
ACTIONS TIMEFRAME
A Amend the Town’s zoning to require that residential and commercial properties are improved with or
maintain existing vegetated landscape buffers between other properties and adjacent to water bodies.
B Amend the Town’s zoning to require that a new tree be planted whenever a significant tree is removed.
C Set standards for the maximum lot clearance allowed for development in rural residential zoning districts as
well as Sensitive Habitat Areas including open space that is protected in perpetuity and BioMap Core Habitat
and Critical Natural Landscape.
278 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan
Commented [KM1]: Goal 3, Action item A: When I read
this my immediate gut reaction was "You are not going to
take my wooded lot away from me." I wonder how many
other people who have wooded or partially wooded house
lots would react similarly. Perhaps it could be softened
somewhat by eliminating the first 9 words of the sentence, so
it reads, "Seek to increase ...". Perhaps it could be softened
somewhat by eliminating the first 9 words of the sentence, so
it reads, "Seek to increase ...".
Commented [KM2]: Page 278, Goal 4, Action items A
and B: These are too strident. We should encourage
homeowners to create or maintain vegetative barriers, but we
should not compel all homeowners and commercial property
owners to create vegetative barriers. Similarly, we want to
maintain a tree canopy and wooded areas as much as
possible, but it is not a good idea to compel a property owner
to plant a new tree every time that a significant tree is taken
out. Rather, we should encourage it.
Sometimes a significant tree should be taken out, for
instance if it is dead and presenting a danger to persons and
property. Or if the homeowner already has planted
additional trees which exceed the number of trees taken out
in an attempt to re-design the landscape plan of the yard.
Define "significant" and what type of tree can be replanted,
Natives? What size should they be?
Land Use Targeted Action Plan
GOAL 5 Consider incentives and tax benefits for agricultural lands to increase intensity and economic
possibility.
ACTIONS TIMEFRAME
A Actively promote Massachusetts General Law (MGL) Chapter 61A property tax benefits to rural landowners.
GOAL 6 Consider incentives or requirements for open space residential development.
ACTIONS TIMEFRAME
A Explore Study options for requiring the use of open space residential development in rural residential zoning
districts where the protected open space can help conserve and connect important natural resources or
where the development is near mixed-use zoning districts.
B If requirements prove infeasible, explore incentives for incorporating open space residential development in
these areas, such as waiving permitting fees or offering tax credits.
GOAL 7 Improve connectivity between residential and commercial users in the Regional Economic Center.
ACTIONS TIMEFRAME
A Develop and adopt standards to improve connectivity between new residential development and nearby
parks, schools, shopping, and services, including sidewalks, bike paths, and enhanced transit .
GOAL 8 Ensure adequate open space is available for residents and visitors to Hyannis.
ACTIONS TIMEFRAME
A The Town should identify and map potential open space/recreational properties in Hyannis and develop
plans to enhance or acquire land, given the limited availability of land for standalone park and recreation
purposes .
280 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan
Formatted: Underline
Commented [KM3]: Define "Explore" Is this a study?
Land Use Targeted Action Plan
GOAL 9 Develop and adopt standards, including design standards or guidelines, for additional housing types
at a scale between two-family dwellings and small multi-family dwellings as well as mixed-use that
can be allowed in the Commercial Nodes.
ACTIONS TIMEFRAME
A Ensure that zoning allows these housing types to accommodate mixed-use with ground floor commercial.
B Ensure that housing development will have minimal impact on traffic through integration of traffic
mitigation measures.
C Consider prohibiting multi-family development of greater than 12 units along West Main Street and the
Route 28 corridor as shown on the Future Land Use Map .
D Support housing development and redevelopment on underutilized properties around the mall.
E Support housing development and redevelopment on underutilized properties within the Growth Incentive
Zone (GIZ).
GOAL 1 0 Evaluate regulations to incentivize conforming uses.
ACTIONS TIMEFRAME
A Conduct an analysis of all non-conforming non-residential uses in the Town.
GOAL 11 Protect and strengthen the existing working harbor activities and character, maintain water views
and improve public access.
ACTIONS TIMEFRAME
A Amend the Town’s zoning to ensure that existing public water views are protected or enhanced. Consider
establishing view corridors that are required to remain free of view-obstructing buildings, structures, site
improvements or landscaping other than low-growing plant material or existing natural vegetation.
GOAL 9 12 Reflect on the Future Land Use Map and coordinate further study for the areas identified on the map.
ACTIONS TIMEFRAME
A Conduct the Independence Village Area Master Plan as shown on the Future Land Use Map.
B Conduct the West End Neighborhood Area for Master Plan as shown on the Future Land Use Map to study
traffic impacts and analyze proper land uses.
C Conduct the Community College Area Master Plan as shown on the Future Land Use Map for further land use
in partnership with the Community College .
D Study the Light Commercial corridor as shown on the Future Land Use Map to study traffic impacts and
analyze proper land uses .
282
E Study the Route 132 corridor as shown on the Future Land Use Map to study traffic impacts and analyze
proper land uses .
Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan
Housing Targeted Action Plan
GOAL 1 Explore methods for incentivizing the creation of year-round rental units.
ACTIONS TIMEFRAME
A Pursue a residential property tax exemption under Massachusetts General Law (MGL) c. 59 §5O for
Barnstable property owners that provide year-round rentals .
B Explore feasibility to provide financial incentives to promote year-round rentals such as Provincetown’s Lease
to Locals Program .
GOAL 2 Develop strategies that will address the seasonal housing challenges unique to the region.
ACTIONS TIMEFRAME
A Explore opportunities to place year-round deed-restrictions on residential units such as the InDEED program
in Vail Colorado.
B Consider regulations and other policies focused on short-term rentals to the extent they impact year-round
affordable housing.
C Explore increasing the residential tax exemption for principal residences of taxpayers under MGL c. 59 §5C.
GOAL 3 Assess potential zoning and other opportunities to expand housing options to meet a variety of
housing needs.
ACTIONS TIMEFRAME
A Identify zoning amendments and other strategies to support workforce housing and promote attainable and
affordable, equity and wealth building, long-term homeownership opportunities such as the CommonWealth
Builder Program .
B Amend the Town’s zoning to support the creation of housing units consistent with local needs as defined
within the Housing Production Plan including but not limited to affordable assisted or independent living
units for low-income seniors, affordable year-round rental and ownership housing, workforce housing, and
housing for residents with special needs .
GOAL 4 Strengthen the inclusionary affordable housing ordinance.
ACTIONS TIMEFRAME
A To generate more affordable units, consider requiring a higher percentage of affordable units at a range of
income levels, and making the required percentage proportionate to the size of the development.
B Look for opportunities to provide expedited permitting, zoning relief, density bonuses, and financial subsidy
for developments that provide affordable housing beyond what is required.
C Establish a calculation for an in-lieu of fee payment that is comparable to the housing market and can
be utilized to support local housing initiatives.
284 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan
Commented [KM4]: This is too broad; it needs to be
broken down to several individual actions
Commented [KM5]: What does this mean?
Housing Targeted Action Plan
GOAL 5 Pursue the creation of affordable year-round housing on vacant and/or underutilized land or
properties as consistent with the Future Land Use Map.
ACTIONS TIMEFRAME
A Explore opportunities to incorporate year-round housing ensuring walkable communities in the study areas
identified on the Future Land Use Map.
GOAL 6 Plan and partner with entities to produce permanent supportive housing for unhoused people.
ACTIONS TIMEFRAME
A Consider updating the Town's Local Initiative Program (LIP) guidelines or future Affordable Housing Growth
and Development Trust Fund Notices of Funding Availability (NOFAs) to encourage inclusion of units for
formerly homeless households .
B Strengthen communication with homelessness service providers to ensure their clientele are aware of and
assisted with the application processes for future affordable housing opportunities.
GOAL 7 Improve monitoring compliance of existing affordable units.
ACTIONS TIMEFRAME
A Create and/or support a regional housing services office (RHSO) to expand resource capacity and support
monitoring compliance of existing affordable units.
GOAL 8 Pursue community-supported opportunities to add housing on Town properties.
ACTIONS TIMEFRAME
A Develop a Master Plan for key town-owned properties such as the former Marstons Mills Elementary School
and the land around the Barnstable Adult Community Center .
B Create an inventory of Town-owned property, land and buildings to be analyzed for suitable affordable
housing development .
GOAL 9 Closely coordinate implementation of the Town’s Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan
and housing development to address both natural resource protection and housing needs.
ACTIONS TIMEFRAME
A Maintain a build-out analysis, for the entire town, overlaying future sewer services areas, and current and
anticipated land dedicated to water supply and protection, with the Town’s zoning to comprehensively
consider opportunities for future housing and open space.
286 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan
Housing Targeted Action Plan
GOAL 5 Explore public-private partnerships with the Town’s largest employers, and opportunities internally
with the Barnstable Public Schools, to create workforce and seasonal housing for employees and
students.
ACTIONS TIMEFRAME
A Support the development of workforce housing with tax relief incentives. Explore establishing funding stream
for this purpose .
288 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan
Commented [KM6]: This housing should be permanently
restricted if Housing resources are used.
Natural Resources Action Plan
GOAL 1 Continue to conduct long-range land use and capital facilities planning for future provision and
protection of Barnstable’s public water supply.
ACTIONS TIMEFRAME
A The Town will continue to collaborate with independent water districts to analyze data and implement plans
to acquire future wells and associated lands before development occurs and designate Zones of Contribution
and Wellhead Protection Zones for future public supply wells.
GOAL 2 Continue to prioritize the public acquisition of lands within 400 feet of a future public supply well
Zone I, as well as Zone II areas most susceptible to contamination.
ACTIONS TIMEFRAME
A Coordinate with adjacent communities, as applicable, when land surrounding a future public supply well
expands into or abuts another town.
B Maintain a map that depicts all Zone I and Zone II areas overlaid with existing conservation lands.
C Develop a plan to prioritize acquisition of land that is contiguous with Zone I and Zone II areas.
GOAL 3 Continue to practice water conservation measures to help ensure adequate water supply.
ACTIONS TIMEFRAME
A The Town’s Water Supply Division will continue to manage its Water Conservation Program, providing
education and free water conservation products to the public and continue to coordinate with other water
districts .
GOAL 4 Control erosion in barrier beaches and coastal banks to the greatest extent possible to protect
important wildlife habitat and recreational amenities and provide storm surge protection.
ACTIONS TIMEFRAME
A Accomplish the Sandy Neck Beach Park coastal resiliency project.
GOAL 5 Develop a long-term restoration plan for the town’s salt marshes.
ACTIONS TIMEFRAME
A Identify and map potential areas for marsh migration and prioritize protection of these areas in collaboration with local
nonprofits like Mass Audubon, Orenda, others that already have started this type of work.
B Establish techniques to increase accretion of saltwater marshes to help them keep up with sea level rise over
time.
C Build on the work conducted to date through the Ecosystem Restoration Program in collaboration with the
Association to Preserve Cape Cod.
D Continue to identify and protect the Town’s remaining eelgrass beds.
290 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan
Commented [KM7]: 5A Engage local nonprofits like
Mass Audybon, Orenda and others that already have started
this type of work.
Natural Resources Action Plan
GOAL 6 Update and expand the scope of the Town’s Coastal Resource Management Plan (2009) to provide
guidance for the various competing uses of all the Town’s harbors and coastal resources including
balancing protecting habitat and overall coastal water quality and providing coastal access for
passive and active water dependent recreational activities.
ACTIONS TIMEFRAME
A Explore establishing moratoriums on new (non pre-existing) or expansion of existing docks and moorings
until the plan is updated to evaluate the effects of these structures on shellfish and other habitat.
B Evaluate proactive planning and permitting to protect endangered species habitat while still providing
recreational opportunity to the public.
GOAL 7 Within lake and pond recharge areas, development or redevelopment located within 300 feet of
freshwater water bodies shall be required to meet critical nutrient loading standards.
ACTIONS TIMEFRAME
A Continue to explore requiring or incentivizing innovative/alternative (I/A) technologies in priority areas
not identified to be sewered through the Town’s Comprehensive Wastewater Plan (CWMP) and ensure
appropriate management of septic systems.
B Provide outreach to property owners so they are aware of and take advantage of the state tax credit for
installing an (I/A) system.
C Develop a pilot project for innovative/alternative (I/A) septic systems for properties not identified to be
sewered within the timeframe of this plan.
GOAL 8 Continue to coordinate an inventory and analysis of all of the Town’s freshwater ponds and lakes to
evaluate the status of each waterbody including water quality and additional impacts like flooding.
ACTIONS TIMEFRAME
A Continue to institute the Town’s pond management program that evaluates ecological health and stressors
for priority ponds and offers recommendations for management and restoration and develop a policy that evaluates pond management.
GOAL 9 Maximize the ecological health of the Town’s 5 herring runs.
ACTIONS TIMEFRAME
A Identify and map obstructions along the herring runs.
GOAL 1 0 Examine opportunities to enhance communications to abutters for large-scale proposals submitted
to the Conservation Commission.
ACTIONS TIMEFRAME
A Explore the ability to require notification of proposals within 300 feet of a pond to all property owners along
the pond shoreline .
292 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan
Commented [KM8]: This pond management work is
underway, get a status and next actions from DPW.
Natural Resources Action Plan
GOAL 11 Establish a living list of native and climate resilient tree and shrub species of all sizes that can
thrive in current and future climate conditions projected for the region, paired with a list of
complementary best practices for planting and maintenance
ACTIONS TIMEFRAME
A At application, provide applicant with the tree and shrub list to promote biodiversity especially within
wetland buffers and forested areas and provide guidance for urban verses rural streetscaping and for open
space environments .
GOAL 1 2 Increase tree canopy and vegetation buffers to protect sensitive areas and enhance wildlife habitat.
ACTIONS TIMEFRAME
A Continue to implement the Greening Hyannis program to increase tree canopy.
B The Conservation Commission shall establish objective and consistent criteria for requiring a larger buffer
(e.g. where the standard buffers are inadequate to protect sensitive areas or where the site conditions such
as slopes or soils suggest that a larger buffer is necessary to prevent adverse impacts).
GOAL 1 3 Analyze town-owned properties to identify areas, especially within the right-of-way, that can be
improved with vegetation, such as existing medians.
ACTIONS TIMEFRAME
A Explore opportunities to expand the Town’s Adopt-A-Spot Program and prioritize use of low-maintenance
native perennials.
GOAL 1 4 Explore opportunities to increase aquaculture on the south side of Town.
ACTIONS TIMEFRAME
A [TEXT]
GOAL 1 5 The Town will consider regulations that place more responsibility on property owners regarding
environmentally sound practices, and lead by example with its own practices, including, but not
limited to:
ACTIONS TIMEFRAME
A Explore incentivizes for ecological landscaping and the reduction of lawn areas such as exploring a rain garden rebate
program.
B Establish regulations on fertilizer, herbicides, and pesticides consistent with State laws.
294 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan
Commented [KM9]: Pet owners should manage pet waste
and keep it away from our waters (salt & fresh). On that
note, it would be interesting if the wastewater treatment plant
offered a drop off for pet waste. No doubt many pet owners
would utilize a system like that.
Commented [KM10]: Misspelling of incentives. What
could they be, perhaps examples?
Commented [KM11]: The State controls these materials
and Towns have limited abilility to create regulations in this
area. Check with other efforts on Cape.
Natural Resources Action Plan
GOAL 1 6 The Town will pursue the goals of its Open Space and Recreation Plan, adopted in 2018, including:
ACTIONS
TIMEFRAME
A Increase open space to enhance environmental protection, recreational opportunities and community
character .
B Develop priority list of parcels for “undevelopment” for traffic mitigation and associated open space
protection
C Evaluate success of the Town’s Open Space Residential development (aka “cluster”) ordinance in preserving
open space, and develop recommendation to revise the ordinance.
D Identify and prioritize parcels for protection through easements, conservation restrictions and other non-
regulatory means
E Encourage the accommodation of public access rights in conservation restrictions on non-sensitive land
through establishing an incentive program for landowner donations
GOAL 17 Continue to expand the Ways to Water Program, to re-establish and/or designate through
appropriate legal means traditional rights of ways to the water to ensure that these are not lost
or abandoned.
ACTIONS
TIMEFRAME
A Continue to develop and maintain signage, and outreach programs, including GIS mapping for posting to the
Town’s website .
296 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan
Infrastructure Action Plan
GOAL 1 Identify and prioritize improvements to low-lying roads to improve resilience.
ACTIONS TIMEFRAME
A Implement the preferred conceptual design options for Bridge Street and Ocean Street as identified in the
Cape Cod Commission's Low-Lying Roads Project .
GOAL 2 Expand transit options within and to employment centers, village centers, and areas of concentrated
residential development. Explore options for increasing Barnstable’s connectivity with off-Cape
destinations, including by rail.
ACTIONS TIMEFRAME
A Coordinate with the Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority (CCRTA) to enhance transit options to existing and
potential developments.
B Seek opportunities to extend the CapeFLYER to provide year-round service.
GOAL 3 Address accessibility deficiencies across Barnstable’s transportation system, making transportation
options safe and accessible for people of all ages and abilities, languages, and cultures.
ACTIONS TIMEFRAME
A Conduct an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance audit on the accessibility and safety of bus
stops and other transit facilities, busy intersections and intersections with high crash rates, roadway signage,
etc. Prioritize this analysis within Hyannis and use lessons learned to expand the audit townwide.
B Continue to coordinate the Downtown Hyannis Great Streets project for the conversion of Main Street and
surrounding street networks to two-way circulation to support safe and walkable neighborhoods.
GOAL 4 Explore multi-modal facilities and operations to reduce vehicle travel and land dedicated to parking
in Downtown Hyannis for ferry service.
ACTIONS TIMEFRAME
A Explore ability to coordinate remote parking access as well as opportunities to improve pedestrian and
bicycle access to transportation hubs such as the Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority and the Cape Cod
Gateway Airport .
GOAL 5 Use parking facilities to their full capacity and look for opportunities to develop joint uses.
ACTIONS TIMEFRAME
A Explore regulatory opportunities to incentivize joint uses for underutilized parking lots.
298 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan
Commented [KM12]: Consider adding a 2 ½ or 3 story
parking structure in the North Street Parking Lot at the
intersection of Winter Street and North Street in order to
reduce the parking “footprint” in the parking lot and open up
space along North Street for second story residential above
retail.
Infrastructure Action Plan
GOAL 6 Continue to pursue roadway easements for sewer installation on private roads impacted by the
Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan.
ACTIONS TIMEFRAME
A Develop a policy for the Town to take over ownership and responsibility of private roads .
GOAL 7 Actively participate, submit projects, and seek priority on the Cape Cod Transportation
Improvement Program (TIP) to leverage State and Federal funding for local and/or regional priority
transportation projects.
ACTIONS TIMEFRAME
A Continue to prioritize submission of priority roadway improvement projects to the TIP.
GOAL 8 Continue to build out the Town’s system of bike lanes, bike paths, bike routes, and related
amenities, prioritizing safety and connections with other existing bikeways, the future Cape Cod Rail
Trail, and linkages to public facilities, recreation and conservation areas, village centers, educational
facilities, the Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority, etc.
ACTIONS TIMEFRAME
A Complete the Cape Cod Rail Trail in Barnstable that connects from Yarmouth to Sandwich and coordinate
multi-modal connections to the Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority.
GOAL 9 Continue to implement the Town’s Complete Streets Policy and Prioritization Plan.
ACTIONS TIMEFRAME
A Submit priority roadway improvement projects to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to obtain
funding for construction of the projects.
B Implement traffic calming measures and incorporate public spaces where possible with the design of new
roadways .
GOAL 10 Continue to implement the Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan (CWMP) and coordinate
updates as required by such factors as growth, environmental impact or regulatory requirements to
address the community’s wastewater needs as prescribed by regional, state, and federal regulations.
ACTIONS TIMEFRAME
A Evaluate implementation (required time period) to confirm that the Town is meeting the goals defined within
the CWMP. Additionally, confirm that the Town is addressing innovative/alternative (I/A) septic systems
actions further defined within the Natural Resources chapter for properties not identified to be sewered
through the CWMP .
300 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan
Infrastructure Action Plan
GOAL 1 2 Continue to update water treatment technology to address regulatory mandates and emerging and
known contaminants.
ACTIONS TIMEFRAME
A Explore future expansion of water treatment plan.
GOAL 1 3 Continue to update aging and undersized culverts to improve coastal resiliency, emergency hazard
response, and water quality, and restore wildlife habitat, where feasible.
ACTIONS TIMEFRAME
A Update culvert inventory to develop a prioritization plan to coordinate future improvements.
GOAL 1 4 Continue to update and monitor existing greenhouse gas emissions inventories and execute projects
to reduce emissions.
ACTIONS TIMEFRAME
A Develop an Energy Efficiency Plan to refine and outline energy reduction goals, strategies to reduce energy
consumption and improve energy efficiency, and how progress towards goals will be tracked.
GOAL 1 5 Target improvements to roadways and intersections with the highest crash rate to reduce the
number of vehicle and pedestrian crashes and to improve the safety of all users.
ACTIONS TIMEFRAME
A Coordinate Road Safety Audits (RSA) for existing intersections to examine road safety issues and to identify
opportunities for improvements in safety for all road users.
GOAL 1 6 Develop a town-wide lighting survey to determine where additional street lighting is necessary to
improve vehicular and pedestrian safety.
ACTIONS TIMEFRAME
A Develop a Lighting Plan that focuses on frequently traveled roadways, bike and pedestrian corridors used for
daily travel to work and at intersections with high nighttime crash rates.
B Set lighting standards that reduce or eliminate glare and light pollution into the night sky.
302 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan
Facilities Action Plan
GOAL 1 Provide well-maintained public facilities and services that serve the current and future social,
economic, cultural, safety, traffic, and communication needs of the community; that are equitably
distributed; and are provided with minimal environmental impact.
ACTIONS TIMEFRAME
A The Town will support and encourage the joint planning, siting, development and use of public facilities
and services through interdepartmental coordination and in collaboration with community organizations in
areas of mutual concern and benefit in order to maximize efficiency, reduce costs, and minimize impacts on
the environment such as conducting a needs assessment for ongoing operations for the Hyannis Youth and
Community Center .
B Monitor and benchmark services and infrastructure necessary to support development and redevelopment
without decreasing levels of service adopted by this plan to ensure there will be adequate personnel levels
consistent with population and demographic needs.
GOAL 2 Provide high quality public safety services for the residents of Barnstable through cost effective
maintenance and upgrades of facilities and equipment.
ACTIONS TIMEFRAME
A Develop mechanism to calculate public safety services impact when development is proposed .
B Continue to implement goals defined within the Comprehensive Athletic Fields and Courts Study and the
Town of Barnstable ADA Self Evaluation and Transition Plan Town’s Facilities Plan.
GOAL 3 Continue existing operations at the Cape Cod Gateway Airport and better integrate the Airport
within the regional transportation network.
ACTIONS TIMEFRAME
A Actively explore integration of multi-modal transportation services with airport services through the
development of a fixed-route microtransit program to deliver people to and from the Airport and Downtown
Hyannis .
B Implement goals established with the Airport Master Plan .
304 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan
Facilities Action Plan
GOAL 4 Provide educational facilities to meet the present and future needs of Barnstable residents.
ACTIONS TIMEFRAME
A Identify and secure or retain land for future school facility expansion and/or redevelopment.
B Continue to implement goals defined within the Barnstable Public Schools Facilities Condition Assessment.
C Complete feasibility study to examine the possibility of creating workforce housing on public properties.
D Ensure that future buildout projections and residential development proposals are communicated to the
affected public school district in a timely manner so they can plan effectively for future needs.
GOAL 5 The Town will pursue the goals defined within the Recreation Division’s Priority Plan.
ACTIONS TIMEFRAME
A [TEXT]
GOAL 6 Expand recreational opportunities across Town for residents of all ages and abilities. In particular,
coordinate recreational opportunities and activities accessible to people who are visually impaired
and incorporate ADA accessibility.
ACTIONS TIMEFRAME
A Explore opportunities for trails, playgrounds (equip with shade structures, water features, and interactive
board games), pickleball and basketball courts, and outdoor fitness stations.
B Explore opportunities for recreational activities including community gardens and farmers markets.
306 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan
Economic Development Action Plan
GOAL 1 Support a market-driven, place-based approach that builds on our existing assets, a tradition of
locally-owned businesses, and encourages economic balance, diversity, and sustainability.
ACTIONS TIMEFRAME
A Evaluate Tax Increment Financing (TIF) guidelines and policies to ensure that the town’s program incentivizes
investment in industries that are desired by the community and provide well-paying jobs with benefits.
GOAL 2 Revise and simplify land use regulations including zoning to foster economic development.
ACTIONS TIMEFRAME
A Support reauthorization of the Downtown Hyannis Growth Incentive Zone (GIZ) and consider readjusting the
boundary of the GIZ, as applicable .
B Conduct the Independence Village Master Plan as shown as on the Future Land Use Map to analyze existing
zoning and land uses to develop recommendations to modernize zoning.
GOAL 3 Retain and strengthen local business in the Town of Barnstable.
ACTIONS TIMEFRAME
A Explore ways to continue and expand the Downtown Hyannis Façade grant program which incentives locally
owned businesses to reinvest profits into the community.
B Continue to develop resources for economic development and small businesses by publishing timely
and relevant information on funding/grant opportunities, technical assistance possibilities, and relevant
community data through on-going administration of the Business Barnstable website and email
Newsletter.
C Seek to develop additional public facing data tools that include relevant economic indicators and
information.
GOAL 4 Coordinate infrastructure with new growth.
ACTIONS TIMEFRAME
A Continue to participate in and implement solutions from the Hyannis Access Study and continue to
coordinate the Downtown Hyannis Great Streets project to improve traffic flow.
B Develop, apply for, and support creative funding mechanisms to build and maintain infrastructure needs.
C Encourage the development of grid resilience by investing in redundant power sources at municipal
buildings .
D Seek out and support upgrades to telecommunication infrastructure for public and commercial broadband
access within Barnstable including at the Town’s including parks and beaches .
308 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan
Commented [KM13]: Explore and encourage
development of “business clusters” or “industry clusters” in
Barnstable by identifying industries which can supplement
existing businesses as either suppliers of goods and/or
services necessary for those businesses to conduct their
operations, or new industries and business which can use the
“output” of those business in Town, so that new and existing
industries can become “vertically integrated” here in the
Town of Barnstable with multiple different employers.
Commented [KM14]: Goal 3, B. Business Barnstable also
sends an email - fun to include!
Economic Development Action Plan
GOAL 5 Emphasize educational efforts that serve as economic drivers to expand collective intellectual capital
and support an emerging workforce.
ACTIONS
TIMEFRAME
A Support development of educational curricula that connects to existing or desirable employment
opportunities and career advancement such as renewable energy, medical services and sciences and
technologies focusing on coastal, marine, and environmental sectors through collaboration with educational
partners (BHS, CCCC, Cape Tech) to develop apprenticeship programs that respond to local workforce needs.
GOAL 6 Support the maintenance and development of recreational activities for residents and visitors. Fund
and implement findings and actions from the state approved Open Space and Recreation Plan.
ACTIONS
TIMEFRAME
A Increase availability of public access to the water by seeking out opportunities to purchase land that could
provide new public ways to the water. Enhance public beaches and support water-dependent activities with
amenities.
B Maintain, improve, and promote high quality public recreational facilities including beaches, trails, fields, and
parks including completion of the Rail Trail connection project from Yarmouth to Sandwich and completion of
the Osterville and Centerville Playground projects. Increase maintenance and add amenities that respond to
emerging recreational trends.
C Support and maintain town-owned golf courses to attract visitors and to continue to serve as an attractive
amenity for year-round residents .
D Continue to support the Hyannis Youth and Community Center (HYCC), including the ability to host events
that bring visitors into town and provide a year-round recreational gathering place for all ages through
completion of the HYCC Master Plan to examine the facility and recommend changes to better reflect future
recreational needs.
E Promote the Hyannis Harbor Hawks and Cotuit Kettleers, and support the presence of the Cape Cod Baseball
League in Barnstable including exploring opportunities to site the Cape Cod Baseball League Hall of Fame in
Barnstable .
F Attract and support the development of an indoor recreational facility through completion of a feasibility
study for indoor recreation facility to obtain project costs and identify possible locations.
Construct a regulation 440 yard outdoor Running Track which will be accessible to the public seven days per week
from Sunrise until darkness.
310 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan
Commented [KM15]: Page 308, Goal 3, Action item E:
Work with the leadership of Cape Cod Community College
(“CCCC”) to develop a “small business incubator” at the
College to develop a link between Adult Learners and the
business community to develop environmentally friendly
new small businesses in Town, and also provide the
professional educational opportunities to train adult learners
to perform the duties and responsibilities of those new
businesses without leaving Cape Cod to develop the
necessary skills and knowledge.
Page 308, Goal 3, Action item F . Work with the leadership
of Cape Cod Community College (“CCCC”) to develop
programs to train people for technical positions in health care
and other existing industries in Town without the necessity
of leaving Cape Cod to acquire that training and education.
Appropriate programs would include nursing and nursing
specialties, X-Ray technicians, Plebotomists, and other
technical areas necessary in our existing businesses and
institutions.
Page 308, Goal 3, Action Item G: Work with the leadership
of Cape Cod Community College (“CCCC”) to develop
junior and senior level courses in certain subject matter areas
to allow students to complete all of the subject matter
courses in those selected areas through the Bachelor’s degree
level without leaving the Town of Barnstable. Examples of
those subject matter areas would include marine biology,
marine construction, oceanography, fisheries biology,
wildlife biology, and other subjects relevant to the industries
which operate here in Barnstable.
Page 308, Goal 3, Action Item G: Work with the leadership
of Cape Cod Community College (“CCCC”) to coordinate
with the leadership of UMass-Dartmouth and UMass On-
Line to allow students to complete their Bachelor’s Degree
programs either remotely through UMass-Dartmouth or On-
Line with UMass On-Line here in Barnstable without the
necessity of having to leave Cape Cod to take their upper
division courses in Dartmouth, Amherst or some other 4 year
institution.
Formatted Table
Economic Development Action Plan
GOAL 7 Support and promote arts and culture in the Town of Barnstable to make its seven villages vibrant
and economically prosperous communities for the well-being of its residents. Encourage continued
development of the creative economy to increase cultural tourism, capture sector dollars and to
position the Town as a year-round cultural destination.
ACTIONS TIMEFRAME
A Collaborate with cultural partners to expand programming, marketing and outreach to generate year-round
interest and increase visitation throughout the town’s seven villages including coordinating expansion of the
Town’s Tourism Mini-Grants .
B Attract, encourage and promote new and existing cultural entities to develop and expand programming to
generate year-round interest and increase visitation throughout the town’s seven villages.
C Collaborate with other town departments to incorporate the arts to creatively coordinate town services,
design shared spaces, engage citizens in town government and improve residents’ quality of life.
GOAL 8 Strengthen and enhance our visitor-based economy to make Barnstable a year-round destination.
ACTIONS TIMEFRAME
A Enhance and expand the Walkway to the Sea to encompass more of the harbor front, the Cape Cod Maritime
Museum, JFK Memorial, Veteran’s Beach, the end of Ocean Street and Kalmus Park.
B Identify locations for creative shared parking solutions for the Cape Cod Gateway Airport, Cape Cod Regional
Transportation Center, the Cape Cod Hospital and Hyannis Harbor.
C Support the continued development of eco-tourism, tourism that explores, experiences, and observes nature
by marketing and improving the Town’s trail system and ways to water.
D Allocate a portion of the current room occupancy tax revenue to visitor marketing and promotion to increase
the Town’s Tourism Fund .
E Work with appropriate public and private transportation entities to ensure provision of year-round, reliable
transportation and trolley service in support of visitors and the workforce.
GOAL 9 Support the healthcare sector by fostering economic growth, improving access to healthcare, and
enhancing the overall well-being of the community.
ACTIONS TIMEFRAME
A Explore and promote incentives such as the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) to encourage healthcare providers
to locate within Barnstable .
B Support the expansion and modernization of healthcare infrastructure and work with Cape Cod Hospital to
address their workforce housing challenges .
312 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan
Economic Development Action Plan
GOAL 1 0 Cultivate innovative Blue Economy initiatives that stimulate economic growth, promote
environmental sustainability, and enhance the quality of life for our residents.
ACTIONS
TIMEFRAME
A Identify skill gaps in marine industries for workforce development and conversion from jobs to careers by
working with educational community and workforce development organizations including the Brazilian
Resource Center – Health Ministry to help them to develop curriculum in order to expand workforce
opportunities.
B Support the development, growth, and retention of innovative technologies that can be shared and exported
by utilizing Tax Increment Financing (TIF) to attract new industries in bio-tech and clean water to locate in
Barnstable .
C Continue to seek ways to support the commercial fishing industry, including investment in relevant
waterfront facilities by conducting a feasibility study to examine locating a new commercial fishing offload
facility in Hyannis .
314 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan
Culture, Heritage, & Design Action Plan
GOAL 1 Explore opportunities to protect key historical and cultural resources.
ACTIONS TIMEFRAME
A Pursue Certified Local Government (CLG) designation for the Barnstable Historical Commission.
B Develop educational content for owners of National or State Register of Historic Places properties, as well
as contractors and realtors, to inform them of the benefits and responsibilities of these designations and
provide insight for restoration methods, resources, materials and design standards for historic properties.
C Leverage façade improvement and other district level programs to assist owners in maintaining and adapting
commercial historic structures through incentive programs.
D Restore the Historic Marker Program for significant historic buildings to include landscapes and other cultural
elements. Encourage local historical societies to support this program in their villages.
GOAL 2 Assess expansion of National, State and Local Historic Districts.
ACTIONS TIMEFRAME
A Consider additional Local Historic District designations throughout the Town and educate residents about the
benefits of Local Historic District designations.
B Assess additional properties for National Register Nomination and review the criteria for National Register
designation to create a short-list of potential properties.
GOAL 3 Ensure protection of Archaeological sites.
ACTIONS TIMEFRAME
A Continue town wide archaeological inventory and assessment process to identify important sites.
GOAL 4 Broaden representation and increase engagement in historic preservation.
ACTIONS TIMEFRAME
A Provide translated materials to underrepresented populations in Town and make it easier for all residents to
participate.
B Involve younger generations in historic preservation through hands-on education and training, living history
initiatives in collaboration with local museums including the Cape Cod Maritime Museum, Coast Guard
Heritage Museum, and the Blacksmith .
316 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan
Culture, Heritage, & Design Action Plan
GOAL 6 Coordinate design standards.
ACTIONS TIMEFRAME
A Pursue design standards that are sensitive to and preserve the historic character of each village.
B Continue to refine the Downtown Hyannis Unified Design Guidelines and Regulations through partnership
with the Planning Board and the Hyannis Main Street Waterfront Historic District .
GOAL 7 Continue to prioritize and coordinate physical and programmatic infrastructure for the Town’s Arts
and Culture Program.
ACTIONS TIMEFRAME
A Enhance and expand the cultural districts and work with partners to plan for long-term program funding and
facilities maintenance needs.
B Pursue safety and connectivity improvements, including improving paths to parking lots, and enhanced
lighting, signage, restrooms, and general aesthetics.
GOAL 8 Create and implement consistent signage standards, including public wayfinding and other signage
consistent with Barnstable’s image and visual branding.
ACTIONS TIMEFRAME
A Continue to implement the Downtown Hyannis Wayfinding Signage Plan.
GOAL 9 Pursue public roadside beautification, including landscape maintenance, mitigation of invasive
species, planting and pruning of public shade trees, and design of utilities.
ACTIONS TIMEFRAME
A Continue to encourage private entities to sponsor installation and maintenance of roadside landscaping and
coordinate effort to wrap utility boxes.
B Coordinate design standards for landscaping, paving, signage, lighting, tree planting, furnishings, and other
elements .
C Utilize revenue from the Hyannis District Improvement Financing (DIF) program to enhance streetscape and
public realm assets in the Downtown Hyannis area .
318 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan
Commented [KM16]: The wording of this Action Item
suggests that the LCPC recommends developing design
guidelines for every village in Town. The experiences of the
Planning Board and the Hyannis Main Street Waterfront
Historic District Commission in attempting to craft design
regulations and guidelines for the Downtown Hyannis
Historic District demonstrates that developing design
guidelines is a BIG, complicated, extremely time-consuming,
and not entirely non-contentious undertaking. We shouldn't
recommend developing design guidelines for every
village.Perhaps this action item could be revised to say,
"Preserve the historic character of each village."
Culture, Heritage, & Design Action Plan
GOAL 1 0 Coordinate opportunities to promote place-based arts and culture.
ACTIONS
TIMEFRAME
A Collaborate with cultural partners to support art that reflects local history, landscapes and culture.
B Collaborate with local farms and farmers to create and coordinate art, music and events such as
farmers and craft and art markets that celebrate local food and agricultural landscapes .
C Collaborate with boating, fishing, environmental and other members of the Blue Economy community to
promote art, music and events that celebrate Barnstable’s connection to the water.
D Work with appropriate town entities to coordinate guidelines and process to incorporate artist elements into
streetscapes, public spaces and municipally provided amenities and publications through the development of
a Public Arts Master Plan .
E Develop a long-term plan for the Artists Shanties Program to continue to facilitate opportunities for the
public to interact with members of the creative economy via Town-run programs that engage the public and
artists.
320 Town of Barnstable 2024 Local Comprehensive Plan
Commented [KM17]: Goal 10B: This should include
Farmers, Craft and Art markets.